DAISY Award—Marianne Maclachlan, RN, BSN, CCRN, WCC

Marianne Maclachlan, RN, BSN, CCRN, WCC
Burn ICU

I would like to nominate Marianne MacLachlan. Both her and I are registered nurses in the Burn ICU. My dad became very sick with amyloidosis in June 2019. He ended up with hepatic encephalopathy in January 2020. Along with many other comorbidities. Due to his disease he was not coherent enough during his last hospitalization to make his own medical decisions. My mom, aunt and I met with the palliative care team on February 8, 2020. It was decided to have a follow up family meeting. My mom and uncle could meet but I was unable to attend due to my prescheduled procedure.

I was very worried because I was unable to attend this very critical meeting. I immediately thought of Marianne. I felt 100% confident that she would be able to help our family make these very difficult decisions. I have worked with Marianne for over 13 years and I cannot think of a better person to be by my mom’s side.

It was decided at this meeting to put my dad on comfort care. Marianne helped my family in this very hard yet important decision. She also advocated for my family during this conference.

I explained to Marianne before the meeting how hard it would be to bring my dad home with my mom and care for him. I would be the only one who could care for him, due to hardship with money. During the conference the palliative care team seemed to push for at home hospice. Marianne let them know how much of a burden this would be for me and my family. In the end, we decided to do hospital hospice. I cannot explain what it means to me and my family that we were able to use her knowledge as a nurse to help with these decisions.

I know my dad appreciated Marianne as well. Not only did she help at this meeting but continued her support with me and my family during this difficult time. I remember when my dad was first hospitalized in January, Marianne came to visit him in the ER. After she left my dad said “I didn’t know Marianne was so funny”.

I do not think she helped us because she is my best friend but because she is a kindhearted, exceptional nurse! We are humbled and appreciative for all she has done on our behalf. Unfortunately, my dad passed away at UC Medical Center February 13, 2020.

Nominator: Lauren Spink