Maya Wilkinson provides compassionate care to all her patients each day that she shows up for work, however the care that she provides for patients in their last stage of life (actively dying) go above and beyond each and every time. Recently, a 66 year old patient was admitted for end stage COPD and was hospitalized for seven days. When the patient was admitted, she was alert and oriented but remained in severe respiratory distress. During her stay, Maya established a close and caring relationship with the patient. The patient decompensated towards the end of her hospital stay and the patient, along with her family, decided to go on hospice. The patient verbalized “it is time”. When Maya returned to work after a few days off, she understood why the patient was placed on hospice but was deeply saddened. She made it her priority to make her comfortable. Finally it was inevitable that the time was near and Maya played “Go Rest High On The Mountain”. She sat with the patient as she took her last breath and remained with the patient, holding her hand until the family arrived. When the family arrived, they recognized the song that was playing and told Maya that was one of her favorite songs. Once the family members arrived, Maya printed out the EKG strip of the patient's heart beat for the family to cherish.
One of the most important things a nurse can do when a patient is dying is to support the family by educating them on what they might expect to happen during this time, addressing their questions and concerns, and being an active listener. Maya does all of this for all her patients and she does it well. She has been known to make last requests happen such as taking patients outside in the sunshine one last time, as well as singing to patients. Maya strives to provide the best care possible and is a strong patient advocate, and is well deserving of the DAISY Award.