Heleena Gardner
July 2021
Heleena
Gardner
,
BSN, RN, CMSRN
Med/Oncology
MultiCare Deaconess Hospital
Spokane
,
WA
United States
Heleena made sure the husband had access to resources, including meal tickets.
A patient presented to our ED for the third or fourth time since discharge from Deaconess. This patient had been discharged to Hospice House but was evicted following agitated behaviors. Because this patient is homeless, she was discharged to her vehicle with her husband to die. This patient came to the ED begging for admission for pain control. Eventually, we were able to get her back to the ED and admitted for end-of-life care. Heleena was the charge RN and accepted this patient and the patient’s spouse. She made sure the husband had access to resources, including meal tickets. She spent time with the husband, just listening and offering support. She made sure that not only the patient’s needs were met, but family support was in place. Heleena went above and beyond. Although she had the responsibility of running the floor, she graciously took extra duties related to this complex patient. She helped as an advocate and desperately needed a support system. End-of-life is a tremendous burden for nurses on the unit, and I just want to recognize Heleena for the incredible job that she did. Thank you for all you do for our patients!