We recently had a hospitalized patient with multiple critical health issues. The story is poignant and long, but telling it entirely could violate HIPAA. This patient was comatose for a while, and her partner of many years sat with her at all times. The partner was very knowledgeable, watched and documented everything that was occurring, and made complaints to the leadership team in nearly every department of the hospital. The Patient Advocate and administration also became involved due to some disturbing issues and misunderstandings.

Raquel was assigned to provide the dialysis treatment to this patient, and after hearing the couple’s stories, volunteered to provide all necessary dialysis care for the weekend because the case had become daunting for the hospital team. She took time to care and listen to the partner (and later the patient), and to explain everything that was happening in terms that were meaningful and relieving to this couple. The amount of thanks we received from the couple, and also from the leadership team of our hospital partner, was numerous and glowing, and they were so appreciative of Raquel’s care.

The patient’s partner wrote a letter to the hospital: “3 nurses, and one DaVita dialysis nurse, Raquel, went way above the call of duty…way, way above, and I promise to write DAISY letters for them. I know these 4 wonderful, caring, and smart nurses don’t come in for the recognition of the DAISY Awards; they come in for the love of their job and truly put the patient above all else. What great human beings they are. God bless them.”