August 2023
Alyssa
Jacobson
,
BSN, RN, OCN
Hospice
Sanford Medical Center Fargo
Fargo
,
ND
United States
Alyssa made such an impression on us through her competency, openness, knowledge, and care.
End of life care is not an easy thing for patients and their loved ones. My family was coping with a sudden change in status of my mother, a kind and beloved woman who was passing from cancer. Alyssa provided excellent care to my mother, advocating for changes in med scheduling to ensure her comfort, repositioning regularly, and removing dressings left over from her hospitalization to help her look more like herself in her final days. Alyssa’s care extended to the rest of the family as well. She was immediately personable, helping us feel a little more human during a difficult time. She sat with us to talk us through the changes my mother was facing and explained strategies used to keep her comfortable through the end of life process. She assisted us with FMLA paperwork and encouraged self-care, making sure we were eating, drinking water, and resting. While her job was to take care of my mom, she took the whole family under her wing. Alyssa made such an impression on us through her competency, openness, knowledge, and care. On behalf of my family, we cannot think of a more deserving recipient of this award. Alyssa, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.