Samantha has been a nurse on Verdi 5 West for the past 3 years. In Sam’s time here, she quickly became a charge nurse and bedside leader for the unit. Sam is frequently seen on the night shift ensuring all her patients' and unit patients’ needs are met. In many ways, Sam embodies the values of a DAISY nominee in demonstrating compassionate care. Same has been at the bedside while patients have passed, always willing to assist peers with new skills to ensure patient safety and autonomy in making decisions that positively affect patients in vulnerable situations. Over the past year, Sam has stood out supporting a patient while his dying wife was admitted to the intensive care unit.

Verdi 5 West had a long-term patient awaiting discharge to a facility. During his admission, his wife was admitted to the medical ICU on the St. Raphael's Campus. During her stay, they identified that her prognosis was not well and decisions were needed about the next steps in her care. During the day shift, the patient was brought to the ICU to see his wife, and he was able to assist in the decision to complete a difficult surgery that may not end well. The patient was aware of this and came back to Verdi 5 West, expecting the worst. His wife went to surgery in the evening and, following surgery, was admitted to the SRC SICU. Sam was in constant contact with the wife’s nurse, and it was determined that the wife would most likely pass during the night shift. Sam helped to arrange for the Verdi 5 West patient to visit his wife prior to her passing. Sam collaborated with the nursing staff, and it was decided that if his wife was close to passing, they would call, and Sam would bring the patient back down. When the time came, Sam brought the patient down, collaborated with the chaplain, and sat with the patient for a few hours to allow him the time to pay his respects. During his visit, Sam reminisced with the patient about their life together and memories of their marriage.

Our patient was extremely thankful for the time he was able to spend with his wife. We are thankful for the connection Sam made with the patient and for making him feel supported during his grieving process.
Sam’s positive impact on the patient allowed the patient the closure and the time to be with his wife during her final moments. The patient remained on Verdi 5 West for a few months following her passing. Although the patient was very sad and withdrawn following her passing, he was grateful for the time he was able to spend.