Stacy is trained to staff on both 4N and the Palliative Care Unit. Stacy volunteered to stay extra to work a 1500-1930 shift in the Palliative Care Unit after working a day shift. Prior to the start of her shift, Stacy was made aware of a Palliative Care patient that would likely be entering heaven's gate during the evening. The patient was a retired nurse who had served much of her career helping patients here at MSJH.

Prior to the patient transferring to the Palliative Care Unit, the patient's health condition required use of continuous oxygen at 15L/min and C-pap at night for her breathing. Once on the Palliative Care Unit, she required continuous C-pap. The patient, alert and oriented on the day shift with family and friends at her bedside, made the decision to discontinue all medications and her C-pap and to focus on comfort care once her brother arrived for their final goodbye.

Stacy did a wonderful job caring for the patient preparing her for the next step of her journey, but additionally did a wonderful job helping family through the loss of their wife, mother, and sister. She took the time to spend those extra moments (as Stacy always does) with the patient to really get to know her and her family as well as their wishes. Stacy patiently took care of the patient and her husband's every need making sure they were comfortable until the time came. When the patient and her family were ready, Stacy remained present in the room with them while she slowly weaned the C-pap. When the patient appeared uncomfortable, Stacy was there to give her the medications and comfort she needed. When the family felt scared, Stacy was right there at their side to reassure them. For Stacy, this meant staying several hours after her shift was over so that the family felt the compassion, caring, and support of a nurse that had taken those extra moments to learn their story and care for their wife, mother, and sister. When she finally came out of the room to tell the physician that the patient had passed away, it was clear that Stacy had just said goodbye not only to a patient, but a friend.

This is just one example of the dedication and compassion Stacy shows to all of her patients and the ability she has to touch the lives of those she cares for. Stacy's dedication to 4N and Palliative Care patients is much appreciated. Thank you Stacy for all you do for our patients and their families. You are a tremendous asset to 4N, Palliative Care, MSJH and Ministry Health Care.