Arlene spent most of her shift recently transitioning a patient to hospice. She had an orientee that day and also spent the day teaching about compassion, caring, the importance of family involvement, and the necessity to have a strong link during a transition.
Arlene took the time to keep the family, the discharge planner, the doctor, and the patient aware of the plan of care and the progress being made, as it was made.
Arlene was supported by the discharge planner and both of them were needed to appropriately discharge the patient home with her son, on hospice. The family was told equipment had been delivered, it, unfortunately, had not and this was delaying the patient leaving the hospital to go home. Arlene worked with Jessica (the unit coordinator that day) to ensure that the proper equipment was delivered and that the patient would have an adequate supply of oxygen to make the trip to her son's home.
Unfortunately, the transition was not as smooth as it could have been, but Arlene never wavered from making this a high priority and she saw the entire discharge thru, even with it taking an entire shift.
When the manager rounded on her other patients, she was complimented by them too for her effective communication and her presence. What a strong nurse to do what needed to be done, for her patient. She always puts her patients first.
The son never lost hope, he trusted Arlene. He was very complimentary of her.