DAISY Award—Gertrudes Erfe-Fastidio, BSN, RN, CMSRM

Gertrudes Erfe-Fastidio, BSN, RN, CMSRM
East 8 Med/Surg Specialty Unit

This particular event involved a patient, having fought a long and unsuccessful battle with cancer, that was admitted to East 8 Med/Surg Specialty Unit and after a few days transitioned to comfort care. The circumstances were ripe with emotion. The patient's wife, though in agreement with the plan, was not coping very well. In fact, the patient's spouse refused to leave the patient's side, this continued for several days .When Girlie met the patient and her spouse, she was quick to re-educate the patient and spouse as to what to expect at end-of-life, and to establish a nurturing ,trusting relationship with the patient and her spouse, helping alleviate many of their fears and concerns. Sensing the wife's desperation, and knowing, despite everyone's best efforts to convince the spouse of the importance of self-care, Girlie knew the wife would not leave the patient's side. Girlie's response was to bring self-care to the wife. She provided food and sleeping accommodations to ensure the spouse would be as comfortable as possible without having to leave the patient. Ultimately, Girlie was able to build such a loving and supportive rapport, the spouse finally felt comfortable enough to leave and take some time for herself. Although Girlie met these people at one of the most difficult and vulnerable times in their life, she was a source of comfort and reassurance the patient and family desperately needed. The patient had a "good death" and the spouse was able to grieve appropriately and was so appreciative of everything Girlie had done. This narrative highlights one example; however, this type of exceptional, compassionate care is not an isolated event, but rather a hallmark of Girlie's nursing practice.