September 2017
Kathy
Shanaberger
,
RN
Hospice Program
Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center
Plainsboro
,
NJ
United States
My mother in law, M, was diagnosed with ischemia and admitted to the hospital on hospice care by her vascular surgeon. Later that day, the hospice home care liaison discharged her. She had a very difficult trip home and when Kathy examined her, she made it very clear to us that M needed to be in the hospital as she would require 24/7 medication and oxygen. We were shocked and upset as M had only been home for a few hours. Kathy recognized our confusion, fear, and frustration. She took charge of the situation in a very calm and professional manner. She assured us that this is what M needed and assured us that she would be admitted directly upon arrival. True to her word, Kathy was at the hospital when we arrived with a room assignment in hand. She accompanied us to the room, made sure M was settled and stayed with us until her meds were ordered; well beyond her normal workday hours. She gave up time with her family to make sure our family was okay. We will always be grateful to her for her professionalism and compassion in our time of need. She made an extremely difficult situation bearable and for that, we cannot thank her enough. M passed away peacefully and without pain or discomfort just days later.