As I was receiving shift report one day, I recognized that Dawn exemplified all of the I CARE principles while caring for Mr. B, who was a veteran on our Palliative Care Unit, and his wife. Over the weekend it had become apparent that Mr. B actively dying. Mrs. B had shared with that they had been together over 60 years, and had lost their only son 2 years ago and had no other family. They lived on the South side of Milwaukee and Mrs. B did not drive. She had been receiving rides from a friend but was not able to this particular day because the friend had to work. Dawn recognized that Mr. B was exhibiting changes within the imminent death process and she believed in the importance of having his wife present. She notified the nursing supervisor and explained the situation. The nursing supervisor contacted the nurse executive to explain the situation and it was decided that the VA would provide Mrs. B a cab voucher to/from her home to be with her husband for as long as she wanted. Dawn relayed this information to Mrs. B and she was soon at her husband's bedside, holding his hand and stroking his cheek.
As I arrived for 2nd shift, Dawn relayed the above story during report and informed me that Mrs. B was to notify me when she was ready to leave and we were to stop at the AOD to get the cab voucher for her return trip. Throughout the next 4 hours Mr. and Mrs. B spent time together. When I periodically checked in on them, Mr. B was minimally responsive and appeared calm and comfortable. Mrs. B would share stories of how they met, raised their son and his unfortunate death, and their faith. Mrs. B was sad because of her husband's impending death, but felt he was going home to heaven to be with their son and that brought her joy. She stayed until about 8PM and then notified me she was ready to go home and was so grateful that she was given this opportunity to be with her husband. Mr. B died a day later.
Dawn went above and beyond to provide Mr. and Mrs. B. a gift from the heart: the gift of presence. There is no greater gift, and I am honored to have Dawn, a DAISY Nurse, as my colleague.