January 2018
Bethanne
Gavin
,
RN, BSN
Home Health
Health First - Home Care
Melbourne
,
FL
United States
Bethanne began taking care of a patient who was a 68-year-old down syndrome patient in a group home for the mentally challenged, living alone in a small apartment complex managed by a church group. The death of his brother caused him to become a ward of the state, so he was appointed a guardian who had no medical background, but a large heart.
Bethanne had to use all the communication skills in her 'tool box' to creatively develop an individualized, realistic care plan for the patient. This care plan had to address the limited availability of outside help, significant co-morbidities, and cognitive compromise with an end goal of self-managed health and independence.
The patient came to Bethanne with a big dream and a hopeful heart. He asked her if she thought he could do intermittent cathing. He had met someone that did it and he told her of his desire to participate in the Special Olympics in June. Both his PCP and urologist were apprehensive, but the patient really wanted to do this and the smile on his face when he talked about swimming was irresistible. She needed both MDs to be onboard, so she hatched a plan that recruited another person in the patient's world. This person was an unpaid social worker who assisted by talking to each MD trying to sell the patient's dream for an Olympic medal.
Eventually the MDs capitulated, so Bethanne created another individualized care plan to start in June. She devised a simple straight cath kit and focused on proper procedure with aseptic technique. With lots of laughter and encouragement, the patient was able to be independent with this procedure in 2 short weeks!
In case you were wondering, dreams do come true. The patient was a contender on the swim team at the Special Olympics!
Bethanne always has a seat in his church at Christmas to watch him and his peers perform in the Christmas play. My motivation to nominate Bethanne was not just because of this story, but also because her dedicated care is not just reserved for him, it is about every patient she touches, every time.
Bethanne had to use all the communication skills in her 'tool box' to creatively develop an individualized, realistic care plan for the patient. This care plan had to address the limited availability of outside help, significant co-morbidities, and cognitive compromise with an end goal of self-managed health and independence.
The patient came to Bethanne with a big dream and a hopeful heart. He asked her if she thought he could do intermittent cathing. He had met someone that did it and he told her of his desire to participate in the Special Olympics in June. Both his PCP and urologist were apprehensive, but the patient really wanted to do this and the smile on his face when he talked about swimming was irresistible. She needed both MDs to be onboard, so she hatched a plan that recruited another person in the patient's world. This person was an unpaid social worker who assisted by talking to each MD trying to sell the patient's dream for an Olympic medal.
Eventually the MDs capitulated, so Bethanne created another individualized care plan to start in June. She devised a simple straight cath kit and focused on proper procedure with aseptic technique. With lots of laughter and encouragement, the patient was able to be independent with this procedure in 2 short weeks!
In case you were wondering, dreams do come true. The patient was a contender on the swim team at the Special Olympics!
Bethanne always has a seat in his church at Christmas to watch him and his peers perform in the Christmas play. My motivation to nominate Bethanne was not just because of this story, but also because her dedicated care is not just reserved for him, it is about every patient she touches, every time.