Multiple individuals have come to me with great acknowledgement expressed for Sandi Elgert to receive the DAISY Award. Sandi has displayed great compassion, support, and advocacy for M and his family.
M was a patient on 2S for a length of stay around 180 days. He had battled pancreatitis, bacteremia, intraabdominal hemorrhage with countless times back and forth to the OR and IR trying to give him every opportunity to heal and become well again.
In honor of him, we as a unit would like to honor Sandi for her dedication, kindness and compassion to M daily. It warmed our hearts when Sandi went above and beyond for 2 days trying to arrange for M to experience the fresh air and the sun on his face. This gesture brought a smile to M's face that would not be forgotten by those at the window of his room as he waved to staff looking down at him. He was always putting his hands up to the air, and appeared thankful with a wave. This was a great day for nursing and those who were a part of making this happen.
We were also very impressed with Sandi when M started to deteriorate once more and after multiple attempts to fix him internally, we could do no more. The efforts of the physicians were relentless and now it was time to transition his journey in a different direction. Multiple days of care, support and dedication to his family were given every day. They had hope in their hearts he would get better.
Sandi helped to coordinate an interpreter to explain to the family there was no more we could do. Lovingly, everyone involved embraced the family and prepared them for the removal of life support. Sandi diligently worked at this process and words cannot express how we feel she embraced his situations, no matter what they were. She has a great gift and genuine nature that strengthens her to handle such situations.
In Memory of M, we honor Sandi Elgert.