There was a patient who had been at the hospital for several weeks who expressed to his care team that he was finished and wanted to go home on hospice. The family pressured the patient into making a change to home health instead. Michelle was concerned that the family was not advocating for the patient's desires and pushing him into a choice he didn't want. Michelle  waited for a time to talk with the patient when the family was not in the room. Michelle asked the patient what he truly wanted and asked if he had an Advanced Directive in place. The patient said there was one at home, but didn't feel like his family would bring a copy in. Michelle talked to the patient about what his end-of-life choices were and whom he would want to be his Medical Power of Attorney. Michelle worked with the patient to call his daughter in Colorado, who was his choice for a Medical Power of Attorney, and helped the patient to fill out a new Advanced Directive. The patient kept telling Michelle that he felt like he could now have peace of mind. Michelle made sure that the patient's provider was aware of his wishes. This is an example of peaking up when something doesn't feel right and advocating for the patient's wishes.

This action could contribute to helping the patient live the rest of his life with dignity in the way he chooses. Michelle did the right thing at the right time and supported the patient's wishes when the family would not.