Peggy responded to a Rapid Response call with me. Not only was she incredibly supportive of me during a heartbreaking situation, but she also gave the family time to say a proper goodbye.

On arrival to the call, patient was in respiratory distress. From my assessment, he would need to be intubated. He already had a documented DNR and was 86 years old, with multiple comorbidities. The doctor felt it necessary to confirm family's wishes before proceeding. He discussed with patient's wife, she opted to make him comfort care. I offered to be second verifier on phone. When I spoke to the patient's precious wife, she told me they had been married for over 60 years. She herself was homebound and unable to drive. She was also the caregiver to their only surviving child, who had Down Syndrome. She shared with me how upset she was that she could not tell the love of her life goodbye in his last moments. I assured her he would not be alone. She asked me to pray with him and to talk with him about something special and private. That conversation was for her and her husband, and I was happy to facilitate it. I provided her with support for 15 minutes on the phone. After our phone call, I returned to the bedside, and Peggy was there. I began to cry because the situation was heartbreaking. Peggy stayed with me at the bedside; we prayed with our patient, passed on his wife's message, and helped him to feel more comfortable.

When we stepped out of the room, I said to Peggy, "I can't believe his wife will not be able to tell him goodbye, there must something we can do,” she confidently said, "I will go get her." At first, I was nervous about sending Peggy somewhere. We discussed further, called the wife, and offered her transportation. Then, Peggy was to secure permission from her leader. I confirmed with the nursing supervisor so that we were all aware and established a plan. I told Peggy, if you are at all uncomfortable, please do not get out of your car. I asked her to text me when she arrived and when she was on the way back. The entire time, she was confident and knew this needed to be done to help this family find peace. She never seemed nervous, never doubted this to be the right decision. She knew this was the win we all needed.

Communication continued; I met Peggy at the employee entrance with two wheelchairs for our patient's wife and daughter. Before Peggy left, others suggested we send a taxi or Uber. We did not feel that was the best option. Peggy shared with me later that she had to help this family get their shoes on, lock the door, and assist them into her car. This was more than a job for an Uber driver. We brought this couple and their daughter together one last time. Peggy and I held their hands and prayed with them. We then gave them privacy to say goodbye. Peggy told the nurse to call when they were ready to go home. About an hour or so later, they had said goodbyes. Peggy kindly and patiently helped them back to her car and drove them home. With their permission, she snapped a photo on her phone and sent it to me so I would know everyone was safe. Peggy helped them back into their home, made sure they were okay, and headed back to work, business as usual.

That's the thing about Peggy - to her, this was just the right thing to do, the only thing we could do for them. She was never scared or worried. She prioritized what was right. That family will never forget her kindness, she went above and beyond and will probably not be happy with me for filling this out for her. If you ask her, she will not see this as recognition-worthy because it was what had to be done! I understand that not every nurse is in a position to do things like this. This particular patient and situation pulled deeply at my heartstrings, and because of Peggy's willingness to think outside the box, I was personally able to process this death more easily. She has been nothing but an asset to the clinical mentor role and I'm just happy to do big, meaningful things with her!