Clair combines knowledge, advocacy, and heart every day she works. I know that I can call on her any time I need to problem solve, research, or need a little extra oomph on my side. Her heart is what impresses me the most, though. Clair is the one stepping up to handle difficult family situations, attend family conferences regarding goals of care, and ensuring comfort carts are ordered. When a patient transitions to comfort care and Clair is working, I know that family will be able to say goodbye, the patient will be bathed and lotioned, and more than adequate medications will be available.
A while back, we had a young man who came in cardiac arrest and eventually was declared brain dead. His family situation was a complex one, but Clair spoke with the significant other and the patient's parents multiple times. She discovered that the patient had young daughters that did not live with him or see him. Before he passed, Clair stamped the patient's fingerprints on paper for his daughters. She went out of her way to ensure that those little girls would have something to remember their father by. And that is one of the many reasons I smile when I see Clair at the start of my shift.