I witnessed Rachel go above and beyond the call of duty in providing amazing end of life care for a patient. The providers relayed that treatment was no longer going to be effective and recommended comfort measures. Rachel immediately stepped in and provided the patient and his family phenomenal support. She was able to show compassion and caring towards his teenage children and his wife. Rachel coordinated care based off of the requests to ensure that they would remember him in a positive aspect. She even recruited other staff members to provide around the clock rounding care and ensure that he had the popsicles that he favored. Rachel was able to comfort the family enough to go home and rest, and she was witnessed sitting with him holding his hand or close to his bedside for he was weak and fearful. This family was thankful to feel that their loved one was secure in his last days while under Rachel's care.
Rachel explained and managed a complex pain and end of life regimen that allowed the other family members to feel as if they were participating in his care. For example, she was able to obtain a soft touch call bell and alternative methods to aid in communication that allowed the patient and family to be empowered to still partake in his care. Rachel showed that she was able to engage with the patient and his family during this difficult time in a respectful and compassionate way. She had the ability to bring smiles to all of their faces by allowing them to share stories of their loved one before he was ill. Rachel was able to gracefully administer medical care and balance emotional needs as well. She was able to share personal experiences and prayers with the patient and family, who were both emotional and anxious. I am grateful that Rachel Deiter was able to provide care to this patient and family for she was able to make an unbearable situation, bearable.