July 2020
Julie
Brockmire
,
BSN, RN
Surgical
SoutheastHEALTH
Cape Girardeau
,
MO
United States
Julie consulted the Inpatient Palliative Care nurse as she was very concerned about her patient and family. Julie had spent over 30 minutes of a busy morning on 5H taking time with her patient and family working through their questions and concerns. She reached out to the Palliative Care nurse as well as other providers on the patient care team. As the Palliative Care nurse came to the bedside, she immediately understood Julie's concern for her patient as it appeared that this patient's condition was deteriorating. Her hospital course had been long and her health failing for several months prior to hospitalization. Yet Julie tenaciously advocated for her patient. We immediately notified the family to come to visit and notified the patient-- who when hearing the news "smiled the biggest smile." As the family arrived the patient did rebound somewhat and was able to clearly articulate her wishes in the presence of her family. She was transitioned to comfort measures and multiple family members were allowed to come to the bedside to be with her because of the empathy and love Julie exhibits over and over for patients and families entrusted to her care. Julie's selfless and tireless advocacy for this patient enabled her to have time with her children and grandchildren.