July 2021
Samantha
Shimkus
,
BSN, RN
CRU
Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center
Chicago
,
IL
United States
All thanks to Sam having compassionate, open communication with the patient, she was able to have the most dignified death I’ve seen.
A patient had been with us for about a week when she decided she wanted to transition to hospice. The patient was on BiPAP and knew her chances of ever coming off were slim. Sam listened to the patient’s wishes and was able to advocate for her with not only the doctors but also with the patient’s family. Sam let the patient explain exactly how she wanted the day to go and allowed her to have complete control over her last day. She gave the patient the chance to say all of her goodbyes and also the chance to understand how the day would progress. Sam stood by her side all afternoon as we made her comfortable enough to safely take the BiPAP off. The patient shortly passed surrounded by closest family. All thanks to Sam having compassionate, open communication with the patient, she was able to have the most dignified death I’ve seen. She is so lucky to have had Sam not only fighting with her but also for her last hours.