May 2022
Erika
Cheavers
,
RN, BSN
Monmouth Home Health
VNA Health Group
Holmdel
,
NJ
United States
The strength and support that she provided to the family really was remarkable.
I would like to recommend Erika Cheavers on team C62 for a DAISY Award. The patient was "V" on C62. The situation in this home was extensive. The caregiver was a daughter who was the sole provider of her mother's care. The patient was trach-vent dependent, peg tube, and total care. The patient was alert with dementia, and she had episodes of combativeness. The case was open for a long time, from 2019 all the way up to November 2021. Erika was assigned to the case around September 2021 and was able to take great strides in reaching the daughter. Medical Social workers had been active on this case throughout all of these episodes with no movement towards end-of-life care. The case had to be reviewed by the Ethics committee. Erika made several joint visits with "V" after Hospice opened the case and remained with the patient and family during her final days. The strength and support that she provided to the family really was remarkable. Since this event, Erika has continued to be an angel to her patients, assisting them in making some of the most difficult decisions in life. Most recently, Erika has helped a Multiple Sclerosis patient open to the possibility of Hospice. I believe that this is a gift and a special ability to be able to address openly with patients. This is not something all Nurses can accomplish, and that is why I have nominated Erika.