I work for an organ procurement organization in our area. I was working on a case with a registered donor, who was Jen Jones's patient. This was an extremely emotional and difficult case due to many factors including the fact that the patient was married and had two daughters from a different marriage who were all bedside and who prior to the patient's accident, did not have a good relationship. The other difficult situation was that the patient's husband was not coping well with information/his emotions and the daughters were only given minimal information and were struggling to cope themselves. I was introduced to the patient's family by Jen (who had the patient the day prior as well and had a relationship with the family). The initial introduction did not go well, with the husband not wanting to express emotions and not ready to discuss the next steps. Jen stepped in and reminded the husband that I was there to help walk them through this process and the husband took comfort in her statement and then agreed to meet in an hour. Both Jen and I agreed that the daughters and the husband needed different support and collaboratively came up with a plan that I would just speak to the husband. Jen went alone and spoke to the husband and offered the conversation and he agreed. Jen spent time talking to the daughters and the husband individually throughout the entire donation process and that gave them such comfort.
Jen was not only helpful in supporting the family but was also helpful with our staff. Our team had many tasks for the nurse to complete during the donation process and this time was no different. What was different, was the family was not wanting to give us much time to honor the patient's wishes to be a donor, so we had to kick into high gear. This meant that Jen had all the same tasks that typically bedside nurses have time to complete over a 24-hour period, in a 2-hour window! She moved at lighting speed, was forward-thinking with pulling out medications, letting her team know, keeping us updated, and still providing those supportive conversations and touchpoints with the family. It was amazing to watch.
Fast forward to the comfort care provided during the withdrawal process... Jen made sure that she got orders from her physician to be able to provide the most comfortable and peaceful withdrawal for this family and patient. She was thorough in monitoring the patient, with the physician, to make certain that the patient was not in any pain. The family throughout the entire withdrawal process continued to look to Jen for support if even just a look for reassurance. It was a true testament to the incredible care she had provided to this family throughout their loved one's care.
I cannot say enough good things about Jen and feel that she went above and beyond to provide support to not only the family but to our team as well. I will never forget this situation and the impact she had on my time spent with this family.
Note: This is Jen's 2nd DAISY Award!