Emili came to work with us today and took care of a crotchety elderly man, who had an extended stay with us with lots of complications; he wore out a lot of staff because of his "mean old man" persona and nit-picky ways. After 2 emergent surgeries, a new diagnosis of cancer, and longtime battle with his health, he was dying. Emili came on shift, immediately noticed he was in horrible pain, and got on the phone, got an adequate pain regimen ordered, and then proceeded to baby him all day long; making him smoothies, sitting and talking with him, and even brought him flowers.
Later in the day the patient said to me "the Doc says I'm dying", Emili came in to check on him and I told the patient he had an amazing nurse, and he said to her, with a twinkle in his eye, "she doesn't smile enough". When Emili chuckled and left the room, he whispered, "she's good, she brought me flowers" and he gave a big thumbs up.
Emili made his last days/hours peaceful and pain free, and allowed him some creature comforts - smoothie flavors, ice chips - and time for him to reflect on things. She deserves the DAISY Award and is such a great nurse.