Marc Cates
November 2021
Marc
Cates
,
RN
MPCU
Parkland Health & Hospital System
Dallas
,
TX
United States

 

 

 

He sat with her as she talked about her life and the things that were important to her. He sat with her until she passed away.
I believe Marc exemplifies the very attributes of CIRCLES.  This nurse provides the idea nurse of CIRCLES.  He showed true Compassion to a patient on our unit who had requested comfort care because the doctors said there was nothing else, they could do for her.  He had taken care of this patient the night before she went to comfort measures.  

Her family had come the day before and removed all her belongings, but no one chose to stay with her.  He said you could see the fear in her eyes and did not want to be alone.  So, after he gave report to the oncoming nurse that arrived for the day shift, he went and sat in her room and allowed her to talk.  He sat with her as she talked about her life and the things that were important to her. He sat with her until she passed away. No one should ever have to die alone.  We have something in place at the hospital, but it could not be implemented quickly enough.  So rather than allow her to die alone, he stayed with her.  He knew the day shift nurse had two other patients that required her attention and should not have been able to stay with her.

This was one of the most thoughtful and caring things a person could do.  He was not getting paid to sit with her nor was he asked to sit with her.  He chose to do this on his own. This was a true aspect of Integrity in that he showed true devotion to duty and to the service of others. Respect in that he treated the patient and the primary nurse with recognition of her position. He did not interfere in the care of the patient.  He was simply a support system for the dying patient.  This also was a great collaboration.  He let the nurse know of any needs of the patient and when it appeared the patient was nearing the end.

He serves as a charge nurse often creating a great environment for growth and teamwork.  He demonstrates a supreme effort in Excellence by providing the best service he can to the hospital. This act that he performed was great Stewardship bringing the greatest of value to a dying patient.