January 2013
Eileen
Heitman
,
BSN
Hospice Care
Nebraska Methodist Hospital
Omaha
,
NE
United States

 

 

 

I work with Eileen at Methodist Home Health and Hospice. We specifically work in the Hospice Department. Eileen is a nurse case manager that guides patients and their families through the hospice process. Eileen visits our patients in their homes, at nursing facilities (such as Hospice House), and at the hospital. Eileen, like most nurses is an educator and advocate for her patients. She is also a dog lover. Eileen will frequently bring dog treats to our patient's homes with pets, as long as the owners are in agreement.

Eileen had a patient recently that was admitted onto hospice the day before his birthday. The next day Eileen called the patient before she came out to visit and asked what kind of a cake she could bring him. The patient said he did not like cake, but he did like ice cream. Eileen brought out a small ice cream cake for the family. The patient even took a few bites.

Eileen is very in tune to the fact that a majority of our patients do not have an appetite, but certain things sound good to them at different times. Eileen will frequently talk with these patients and bring them shakes or malts or anything that might taste good.

Eileen will often brainstorm with other members of our Hospice Team to try and find solutions to different patient or family problems that arise. She is not afraid of the complicated situations and most often asks to be assigned to them.