Sarah Jensen
September 2018
Sarah
Jensen
,
RN
Medical Telemetry
Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center
Reno
,
NV
United States

 

 

 

Sarah had a patient who was end-stage liver disease and was placed on comfort care. He found joy in looking outside and always wanted his bed turned towards the window. Sarah asked the patient if he wanted to go outside and feel the sunshine and of course, he said yes. She went to the supervisor and inquired about the possibility of taking the patient outside to see the sun, perhaps for the last time. The first supervisor that Sarah approached said no, but Sarah was determined that this patient would have his final wish to feel the sunshine on his face and body, so approached a different supervisor. This particular supervisor understands what matters to patients and knew that it would make Sarah happy to be able to fulfill this patient's wish. Sarah placed the patient in the chair used for barium swallow testing and took the patient outside. Tears were flowing all around as the patient closed his eyes and allowed the warm sunshine to bathe over him. He thanked Sarah quietly for the opportunity that she enabled him to have.
Sarah went above and beyond for this patient and ensured that one of his last memories would be a great one, not one of hospital beds and procedures.