A newly diagnosed cancer patient presented to triage to be evaluated for weakness, fatigue and shortness of breath. Her husband was with her and the patient wanted her husband to be evaluated as well. He refused and just wanted her to be taken care of.
Jocelyn received the patient in ER. She was deeply concerned about the appearance of the husband. He was pale, gray, short of breath and overly tired. She encouraged the spouse to be seen by a doctor and offered to sign him in numerous times – he refused. Jocelyn took another step and enlisted the help of our case manager to speak with him about being seen by a doctor – again he refused. Finally, when the husband was going to be picked up by his daughter, the wife yelled at him and he relented and finally checked in to be seen.
Jocelyn then received the spouse as another ED patient. He was truly a very sick man. He was ultimately evaluated and admitted. He had a HgB of 5 and an elevated Troponin. He received blood transfusions then went on to have an MI during the night which he survived. This man possibly would have gone home and died had Jocelyn not been so persistent and insistent.
Jocelyn is an excellent nurse. She really cares about her patients and the welfare of their families. Her actions exemplify what nursing is all about – caring! I am proud to have her as my colleague.