Medical-surgical nurses often care for many familiar faces, developing bonds with patients and families who frequent our unit. Many times, the nurse recognizes the end of the journey before the patient and family have come to terms with it for themselves. During one such experience, Cecilia was able to provide care for a patient who was ready to stop treatment.
Constantly in the hospital, and in pain, he was not a candidate for the only surgery that could potentially prolong his life. While the family accepted the patient was not a candidate for surgery, they pushed for him to remain a full code and insisted they wanted everything done to prolong his life. Many providers, nurses, and case management team members discussed the plan of care with the family advocating for compassionate end of life care. It was not until Cecilia sat with the patient and family that the family agreed to the provisions of comfort care measures.
Because of Cecilia, the patient was able to spend his last days surrounded by family and friends, comfortable and not in pain. She stayed with this family, as she has dozens of families before, checking in as often as possible, answering questions, alleviating fear, and providing comfort. She possesses a rare gift that she willingly uses to comfort our patients and mentor novice nurses who may otherwise shy away from those difficult moments.