Mandi was caring for a young woman with many complex issues, the most serious being metastatic cancer. The patient and family had chosen palliative/supportive care that day; by the time Mandi tool over care at 8 pm, the patient was minimally responsive but obviously physically uncomfortable. Mandi tried all comfort measures available, with limited success. She asked the patient, "what else can I do to make you more comfortable?" The patient replied, "pray for me." Mandi repeated the request to be sure she understood what her patient said, and the patient confirmed her request for prayer.
During her next shift the following night, Mandi entered the patient's room and let her know that she had been praying for her. It became obvious that her patient was actively dying; she continued to provide comfort measures and did contact the patient's daughter to let her know that her mother was very close to death. Then, Mandi sat with her patient, held her hand and stayed with her through her passing. Mandi said, "This was my first experience losing a patient. And I feel honored to have been part of her passing."
We are honored to have Mandi as a member of our team! She has only been a nurse since August and is already able to meet patients' needs in a complete, holistic manner.