I want to recognize Carissa for her dedication to advocate for the best interest of her patient. Today, Carissa is taking care of a person who is in hospice. Carissa noticed that the patient seems to feel and breathe more comfortably with 2L of Oxygen through nasal cannula. However, a patient's family member (son) demanded to have the oxygen removed. Carissa tried very hard to explain to the son, with the help of another family member, that the oxygen is intended only to keep the patient comfortable. It is not considered an aggressive measure to extend life. Without the oxygen, the patient seems to become anxious, agitated, and uncomfortable. Carissa also brought the issue to one of the hospice nurses but did not get the response she is hoping for. Carissa then escalated this to the Director of Hospice to express her concerns, seek direction, and advocate for the patient's right to be comfortable as she approached her end-of-life.
Throughout this dilemma, Carissa acted on her ethical responsibility as an advocate of the patient. This is just one example of the dedication I often see from Carissa to ensure that her patients receive safe, quality, and compassionate care.