One of our patients was admitted to hospice less than 2 weeks ago for metastatic cancer. She was well managed for any symptoms and expected to live weeks to months. Last evening, the daughter related that she and her mother, the patient, had been discussing what to have for dinner when her mother suddenly complained that something was not right with her head and then dropped to the floor with seizure activity. The daughter called 911 and was instructed to start CPR until EMS arrived.

Paramedics took over, finding the patient in V-tach. Ultimately, the patient passed away at home. The fire chief called Rohn, the patient’s case manager. Because our on-call nurse was at least 45 minutes out in the other county, Rohn hurried to get scrubs on and head to the patient’s home. He arrived to find the patient’s daughter distraught with grief and quite traumatized by the experience. Complicating her grief is her experience of finding her husband, who died by suicide in the recent past. Rohn provided compassionate and empathetic care for her. He explained to her that with the cancer her mother had and the expected involvement in her spine, she would likely have had very severe pain, limiting her quality of life very soon. Possibly, this quick passing was the most compassionate for the patient. The daughter was comforted by this and expressed the desire for Rohn to attend the viewing and funeral. Rohn said he would attend the viewing, but would not attend the funeral, as it is “too much like church to him.” He was able to keep professional boundaries and provide some appropriate levity to the situation. Rohn stayed with the family until the mortuary arrived to assume care of the patient. This morning in our team huddle, Rohn advocated for urgent bereavement follow-up for the patient’s daughter. Rohn expressed and demonstrated such empathy and compassion to this patient and family.

Rohn truly lives the Intermountain values of "We believe in what we do, living our mission every day, we are better together, building community through teamwork and belonging, and We serve with empathy, caring for each caregiver, patient, and member with compassion and respect."

Due to some turnover in our department, Rohn picked up all the Christmas and New Year’s shifts. He has picked up more than his share of on-call and weekend shifts on top of his normal full-time schedule. He is willing to trade on-call shifts with others on the team. As he does this, it shows the care and compassion that he shares with our team members. He also sets up our other disciplines for success—helping our social workers know the circumstances of this patient’s death helps them be able to appropriately support the bereaved family. Rohn’s commitment to meet the patients’ and their caregivers’ needs is demonstrated as he often starts his day early to meet patients who are actively dying when their family members are available, and helps relieve their anxiety as he educates and ensures they have needed supplies and medications. He will often make a second visit in a day if it is needed, as well, without ever complaining. Rohn’s commitment to go to his patient’s home after hours also shows our community partners the level of care and service our patients receive from our hospice team.