Vicki is an outstanding nurse is Hospice and Palliative Care. One day several weeks ago, a patient was transferring in to 4 Karpas. He had cancer and had several chest tubes. The patient had decided to have the tubes removed even though it meant that he would most probably die from a tension pneumothorax. He asked for adequate analgesia and sedation. His health care proxy and partner was very anxious and distressed.
From the moment this patient and his family arrived on 4 Karpas, Vicki did her best to assure them that she was there and would medicate him as needed. She was confident, caring, and calm. The tubes were pulled and Vicki gave the patient any medication he needed to control his symptoms of anxiety, pain, and dyspnea. She also cared for his partner and family. She explained everything she was doing and why. She taught them what to expect when someone is dying.
The patient had a peaceful death with his loved ones present. Vicki had done a wonderful job preparing them. This is what she does almost every day on our unit.