The DAISY and Petal Awards provide an opportunity to recognize and celebrate exceptional clinical skills and compassionate care given by nursing staff. Lindsay Rosario and Debra Honey-Perrault model these qualities daily as they care for patients in the Neuro Critical Care Unit of Maine Medical Center. The following account is just one example of their excellence in nursing practice, care, and advocacy for those whose well-being they are entrusted with.
Lindsay started her day in SCU like any other. She had a two-patient assignment in SCU with the potential for more. She was with a great team though, which included Deb Honey-Perrault, so even the possibility of transferring patients out and caring for high acuity admissions would be OK. Shortly after starting her shift, the charge nurse came to her with a priority admission. A 94-year-old man had developed stroke like symptoms earlier that morning and had been brought to Waldo County Medical center for evaluation. A CT scan had shown he indeed suffered a stroke and he needed immediate Lifeflight to MMC for further evaluation. Lindsay and Deb shifted gears and began prepping for his arrival.
Shortly after arriving from Belfast the patient's case was reviewed by a team of neurologists. They determined there was little they could do but provide supportive comfort care. It was a grim prognosis and Lindsay provided a clear explanation of what would likely happen over the next 24 hours as the patient passed away. Though frustrated by the transfer to Portland, the family was glad to have the support of a professional caring team.
As Lindsay began to converse more with the family about the history of her patient, she learned the patient was a 20-year Navy Veteran. The patient's daughters shared some memories of their dad, proudly stating he retired as a Naval Commander and lived a colorful life with multiple marriages and relationships over the years. After 94 years of living, serving in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, and years of teaching at the United States Naval Academy, the patient died with honor in his naval uniform serendipitously on Veterans Day with his family at his side.
Having lived in central Maine, Deb and Lindsay both bonded easily and became the family's primary support. They immediately realized the importance of this day and what it meant to the patient and his family. Deb and Lindsay went to great measures to provide the patient with the Honor and Respect he deserved. While Lindsay provided emotional support and guidance to the family and ensured thepatient was always presented with dignity, Deb made numerous calls to the Navy to find a naval chaplain to come give the patient his last blessing. Deb also contacted the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post in South Portland and prepared memory boxes for the daughters to cherish. "He loved the Navy," his son went on, "having a naval chaplain and the support of other veterans from the VFW who experienced the same comradery he had over the years is really special for the patient."
After sharing memories and tears his daughters gave hugs and expressed their gratitude one more time for all the love and support during this difficult time. "The body has its own wisdom," his daughter says. "We're just honoring what's happening, a very holy process to which we want to bring dignity."The family described their father's passing as one of the most peaceful deaths they had experienced. Although witnessing death and dying is part our job, it takes a special person to not shy away from the experience but to embrace it and walk bravely through the process.
All of the staff present on Veterans Day 2016 witnessed the patient's passing and were very proud the family felt their loved one "was treated like gold" on this special day. They were proud not only to be caring for such a great person who dedicated his life to ensuring the freedom of those living in the United States, but proud also of being members of such a great team at Maine Medical Center. They were proud the family's grief was eased not only by the quality of care their father received but also by the authentic caring they received.
This is a wonderful demonstration of the sincere loving care these two members of our team consistently deliver and clearly encompasses the spirit of the DAISY and Petal Awards. When asked why they thought to do this for the patient and his family, they explained, "It's our way of saying thank you." They humbly admitted, "What we did was such a small, simple gesture that is completely disproportionate to the sacrifice veterans make for us, we wanted to honor and show appreciation of the patient's sacrifice."
Ladies, you bring credit and honor upon yourselves, Maine Medical Center, and the Profession of Nursing. Thank you.