We manage difficult situations with patients on a daily basis. Sometimes while managing these situations there is an effort that goes above and beyond. The story of this patient is one of worsening cancer, respiratory failure, and end-of-life decisions that resulted in making the finality of death more focused on a celebration of life.
While faced with the knowledge that his advancing cancer was causing significant respiratory failure, the patient and family understood that time was short. Inpatient Palliative Care assisted with the difficult conversations that led to a group on Oncology Progressive Staff creating a celebration of life. As this gentleman knew that going home with hospice was not an option, we were able to extend to him Inpatient Hospice.
The Oncology-Progressive Staff worked closely with Palliative Care and Hospice to make the intolerable, as tolerable as possible. Through prayer, emotional support, and the fulfillment of the patient's wish to have a pizza party with his children and grandchildren the patient's physical emotional, and spiritual needs were not only met but exceedingly tended to.
As this patient passed away he was surrounded by family and staff. He was covered with a special quilt that our comfort care Oncology patients receive that are hand quilted by volunteers at LaCroix Church. The family was later presented a memorial ornament that a local Jackson High School student created for her "Passion Project" that allows the patient's fingerprints to be imprinted on the ornament. These are just a few of the extra touches provided by the Oncology-Progressive staff for patients.
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Team members honored with this DAISY TEAM Award:
Lynn Boren, BSW
Deanna Celaya, RN, BSN
Regina Frasier, RN, APRN, BSN, MSN
Donna Gilliland, Case Manager, RN, BSN
Candace Grant, RN
Leigh Hampton, RN, APRN, BSN, MSN
Kendra Kennedy, LPN
Jennifer Kiplinger, RN, BSN, OCN
Mari Mashelle Simpson, RN, BSN, OCN
Nadine Smith, Housekeeping
Amanda Williams, RN