The Oxford Dictionary defines Teamwork as: "The combined action of a group of people, especially when effective and efficient." This is the story of Teamwork personified: working together for the patient and family!!
A patient on the Inpatient Unit was under Comfort Care through our Swing Bed Program. She had a unique and unusual yet touching last request. This woman expressed the desire to not have a funeral or calling hours; instead, she asked that her family have a "Celebration of Life" Ceremony while she was here and alive.
The patient's wishes were shared with the nursing staff and, in less than one day these three staff members reworked their entire day to make this celebration happen. Jessica coordinated all of the involved departments to be ready, including fellow staff members. Throughout the entire morning of the event family members would have various requests and questions, in which Jessica remained engaged to meet the patient's and family's needs. Jessica and other staff worked throughout their lunch time to prepare the patient to look her very best, including dressing her beautifully and placing a tiara on her newly coiffed hair. The patient was too weak to be in a wheelchair for the entire celebration, the staff worked diligently to get the bed into the Quiet Room for this special time. What a party this was!