Joseph Umbrino
May 2013
Joseph
Umbrino
,
RN
ICU
Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center
Los Angeles
,
CA
United States

 

 

 

It was a very unusual day in ICU. It was quiet. I was in charge, we have a lot of empty beds waiting for admission. Joe was one of the nurses assigned to an open bed. Sure enough after lunch, Joe admitted a very sick terminally ill cancer patient.

This patient came in with his wife who is anxious. They are not ready to hear nor accept the inevitable. I was there with Joe and we know that the picture does not look good.

Joe made the patient comfortable and work with the wife to establish rapport. He spent time with the wife to find out what would be the wishes of the husband.

Unfortunately the patient was already semi-comatose when he was admitted, but surprisingly still full code. To Joe and the doctors this is big problem. Wife and patient are not ready and with time limitation it made it even worst.

After several hours Joe took a big risk, he asked the wife what would make her husband be at peace and what would be his last wishes. Joe also asked the wife to have an open mind and talk to the doctors. Joe emphasized that she would not be pressured to make any decision and it would be really up to her when they are ready.

Joe's action with the grace of God paid off. She responded "Yes, I will talk to the doctors". She also asked Joe for a visit from a Muslim Clergy. Joe immediately arranged for a family conference with MD and social worker present in a private room.

Joe also contacted our pastor and asked for referral for a Muslim Clergy. It was disappointing to know we don't have any connections and can't give such services.

Joe did not stop there. With the use of his iphone he googled Muslim Clergy. It immediately showed 17 sites. One by one Joe contacted each one and each time gets bad news that they don't offer that service.

Joe was getting desperate but never gave up on the 14th call. A gentleman answered, Joe gave him the information, the man said "We don't give such services but I will help you and your patient". He said he would work on getting the Muslim Clergy as soon as possible, because he knows how urgent it is.

In the meantime,the family conference turned out positive. The wife agreed for a No Code Status.

Stars were lining up, in no time the Muslim Clergy arrived and in a very private, quiet, solemn room, he prayed with everyone. We saw how the patient's face changed,there was peace now.

Joe added an additional touch. Apparently their daughter was one of the princesses in the Rose Parade. Joe turned the TV on and let the rose parade telecast run in low sound, dimmed the lights and closed the curtain.

Few minutes later on the outside heart monitor we saw that his heart rate started to slow down until we saw no life. Joe went to the room and informed the wife that he passed away. He is at peace with no pain.

The man who answered the 14th call, called back and spoke with Joe and asked if the Muslim Clergy got there on time. This man out of kindness made it happen and was able to grant a last wish. Joe told him that "if I could do anything to return the favor, I will".