Donna Strong
February 2015
Donna
Strong
,
RNC
3rd Medical
CHI Franciscan Health-St. Francis Hospital
Federal Way
,
WA
United States

 

 

 

We had a patient and due to her religious beliefs the care we could provide was limited. The patient was positive she was going to die that night. This patient was extremely emotional, distraught and very scared. Donna took a lot of extra time with this patient and really showed the compassion each one of our patients deserves. This patient's family had already told her they wanted her to go to all measures to stay alive regardless of how they were raised.

The family was very supportive to their mother but this woman was still caught between emotions and convictions. Donna sat with this patient and listened to all her concerns, her beliefs, her fears and her hopes. Just this extra time with the patient made a huge impact on the love she felt.

What really stands out in the care Donna provided was how she related to this patient, and how she did not pressure the patient into what care she should accept. Religious situations can be very difficult in patient's care and it is hard to know exactly how to handle how we speak with our patients without expressing our personal views.

Donna did an EXCELLENT job NOT putting any pressure on this patient and not trying to change her mind or debate her religious belief. Donna supported this patient in any decision she was making. Donna did a phenomenal job just listening and saying the right words and giving support to each patient. She let the patient know each healthcare worker is in this field to help without judgment. The support and kind words Donna gave this patient may have saved her life that night. Donna truly is a guardian angel to our patients.