Andrea always gives exceptional and honest care to her patients but in particular to a family who recently was struggling with their father's declining health, ultimately making him hospice. This family had been struggling with this decision and no one seemed to be able to help them understand what was happening to their father. Andrea sat with the family and spent a large amount of time with them (that she didn't have). She was very kind, caring, and very honest with them. She truly made the family see that we (caregivers) were trying to do what was best for their family. The choice was taken from us since he would not survive, but we wanted him to pass peacefully and painlessly. The family finally understood that we were not forcing decisions but trying to educate during such trying times.
Pastoral care was working with the family and recognized the fantastic job Andrea did with a family that was struggling. Here is the letter from Pastoral Care: I wish to provide well-earned and deserved compliments and commendation for Andrea who demonstrated exemplary concern and care for one of the patients and his family members. The gentleman was actively dying and the family was struggling with choosing comfort care to alleviate suffering. Andrea remained patient, compassionate, and kind while internally hurting while witnessing the patient's struggle and pain. Eventually, the family was able to more clearly see the choices before them and decide on treatments that would provide comfort and alleviate suffering during the dying process. This would not have occurred without the calm and competent interventions and steady care provided by Andrea to both her patient and his family. Andrea's demeanor enabled the family to trust that the patient was receiving the best care possible at the hands of someone who truly cares.