We had a challenging situation with a family of a very ill patient that Megan was assigned to. Megan as well as everyone from NAs to the CNO and RT were involved. Megan spent countless hours on the phone with the family, physicians, hospice, etc. In the last hours of the patient's life, Megan stayed at the family's side updating them with the plan, being very direct yet compassionate to their needs.

The patient had a sudden decline prior to being able to go home. During this decline, Megan alerted the family at the bedside. Megan explained everything that was happening she got permission from the family to make the patient a DNR in her last minutes of life and she stayed with her. Unfortunately, everyone involved had become desensitized to this situation due to this family's constant phone calls, needs, and demands. Regardless of this, Megan continued to show compassion. Megan assisted the other nursing staff with post mortem care. Sometimes a nurse in her position does not perform. Aside from this scenario, Megan is always helpful. She knows what is going on with other patients in the building and is always willing to help. Thank you, Megan.

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There was a Med-Surg patient who was actively dying. There had been a lot of discussion as to the patient’s condition between medical staff and the granddaughter. The communication had been going on for days and Megan had been actively involved in trying to coordinate with the granddaughter for the patient’s best care. During the mid-afternoon, the granddaughter was visibly upset after the doctor had advised that she should call her family to come visit for a final time as it was looking like the patient would pass soon and transport to home would not be possible.

Megan stepped into the room to speak with the granddaughter and immediately squatted down to be able to speak easier with the granddaughter. Megan was able to reassure the granddaughter that everything was going to be ok and that it was indeed best for her grandmother to remain a DNR. After a few minutes of conversation, Megan asked that the nursing supervisor step into the room as well as the doctor. At this point, even though Megan could have easily stepped out because there was plenty of help in the room, she stayed in the room to comfort and reassure the granddaughter who was alone. Megan stayed for the duration of the patient’s passing providing care and comfort to the granddaughter that was desperately needed. Megan also stayed after the patient’s passing to provide additional support and resources for a grieving family.

This patient situation had been tough for all staff and family involved and Megan provided a calming spirit to both the family and her coworkers. Throughout the entirety of the patient’s stay, Megan worked especially hard to go above and beyond for the patient and her family, never getting visibly upset or agitated with the granddaughter no matter the request or how many times it may have made each day that she needed to speak with someone. She was unafraid to be honest, yet compassionate in communicating and advocating what was in the patient’s best interest. Megan truly showcased the compassion and care that every healthcare worker should strive for not only in the simplest of situations, but in the most complex and trying instances we can encounter.

Note: This is Megan's 2nd DAISY Award!