Once in awhile, someone comes along and sparks a profound impact on others. You hope these impacts occur often enough to leave lasting positivity and truly make a difference in the world. Some nurses were just called to care. James Barham is today's example of how this profession is a calling. He has gone beyond that calling to give one patient their right to dignity.
On this particular shift, James continued to care for a patient in his group. He recognized symptoms of an illness and reported it right away, bringing a physician to the bedside and confirming the diagnosis and starting aggressive treatment. The next day, unfortunately, treatment was not successful and the patient became terminal. The patient knew he did not have time left and his final wish was to go home and pass in peace within familiar surroundings. James confirmed with the care team that he could be quickly discharged home and by the end of his shift, he was still trying to arrange transport by ambulance for the man. The patient expressed worry that he wouldn't make it home, but James came to his side and promised to stay until the patient was transported. He continued to work with ambulance services and was finally able to secure an available ambulance to take the patient home.
His exemplary efforts and dedication to fulfilling his patient's last wishes are the paragon of caring and the actions he took are the model of what NMMC wishes to provide through its C.A.R.E.S values and mission statement. I will carry the impact this event has had on me throughout my career as a healthcare provider for the rest of my life and I hope to share it with others so that they may be guided by his shining example of compassion.