Kimberly A Wagner
March 2025
Kimberly A
Wagner
,
BSN, RN
Home Sweet Home
Tomah VA Medical Center
Tomah
,
WI
United States

 

 

 

Kim demonstrated integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect, and excellence in her care of this veteran.
Kim was caring for a veteran who had a significant change in status, and she believed this veteran was starting the dying process. She had contacted the provider and requested necessary pain medications. Based upon Kim’s assessment and knowledge of the patient as well as end of life care, Kim spoke with an additional provider to advocate for additional pain medication to enhance patient comfort. The second provider agreed to see the veteran and then pass this on to the Hospice NP. The Hospice NP came to see the veteran shortly after the conversation with the second provider. Kim collaborated with the Hospice NP, describing the significant change in veteran condition, nursing steps Kim had taken, as well as providing rationale for why she felt the medications were necessary. Kim initiated a discussion on a new wound order that was to start that day to determine if it would provide any comfort to the veteran. The outcomes of Kim’s advocacy and patient-centered care were that the veteran received the necessary medications, and wound care was suspended. The veteran passed away peacefully that night. Kim demonstrated integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect, and excellence in her care of this veteran. She made it a priority to go out of her way to ensure his end of life needs were met.