My father was 87 years old, was in 3 different facilities within 5 days due to a fall at home. He was transported to FMC and was seen in the Emergency Department where we met Registered Nurse Frankie Bollinger. By this time Dad was already tired, frustrated and very scared. He had come to the realization that he will never walk again, being bed bound due to a fractured pelvis and C5 & C6 fracture. Dad had always been a very active person socially, mentally, and physically.
Frankie did his job and provided outstanding patient care to his patient, but more importantly, Frankie also provided outstanding care to the patient's family. Frankie was compassionate, professional and with Dad's blessing kept the family updated with each element of care, consults, and test results.
The 24 hours, we were in the ED, was a very busy time. When Frankie would walk into our dad's room, he made us feel like we were his only patient; giving Dad the time he needed to express his concerns of only living purposefully. He honored our father when he expressed his wish for DNR and withdrawal of all support. Nurse Frankie took the time to explain what the decision would entail in terms that Dad could understand, appreciate and make without regret or fear. Frankie then took the time to make certain all other health care professionals attending to Dad were aware of what Dad's wishes were and that the decision was made without regret.
The compassionate manner in which Frankie presented himself and represented Kaiser staff and the entire medical profession created a sense of peace within an elderly patient. Frankie's actions truly made a powerful difference and an outstanding role model.
Our Dad passed in peace at his home recently and was rejoined with our mother in heaven.
Thank you, from his grateful daughters.