Connect

With compassion, expertise, and creativity, Drew Shifflett, RN, Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), made the most out of a family’s last moments together. She used video, high vantage points, and visual cues to communicate with the patient’s family and get them as close together – physically and spiritually – as possible. A colleague noticed Drew’s ability to skillfully care for the patient while giving the family an memorable experience. The colleague nominated Drew for a DAISY Award, which she recently received in a surprise ceremony with Mary Dixon, RN, Chief Nursing Officer, and the DAISY Award committee. Read the full nomination below.

“Drew far exceeds any definition of an exemplary nurse. She was faced with an extremely difficult situation on the COVID ICU, which she handled with tremendous poise. As a visitor to the MICU, on several occasions as a don/doff coach, I was very aware of the extraordinary nursing care that takes place, but this particular day went above and beyond anything I have witnessed in my almost four years of ICU nursing.

“When Drew realized that her patient was rapidly decompensating and nearing the end of his life, she was able to coordinate with many parties while doing everything in her power to keep the patient alive while a plan was made to allow for a dignified dying experience for her patient and a calm, supportive atmosphere for their family – all while in a very abnormal environment.

“Within a matter of three hours, Drew had contacted the family members, had the chaplain called to the bedside with a Catholic priest in route. Once the priest arrived, Drew Facetimed the family who were on their way to allow them to be ‘present’ for the patient’s last rites and anointment.

“Drew quite literally rearranged the room by moving the couch, the IV pole, the bed, and monitor to allow for the most visibility for the patient's family.

“She was able to get permission from management for two of the patient's family members to come to the bedside. The other family members were not left out though. Drew instructed the remaining family to park on the top level of the South Street parking garage on the far left side and stand outside of their vehicle. She taped large printed hearts on the window of the patient's room, so that they would know which room was his.

“At this point, Drew had moved the patients bed so that he was facing out the window in their direction. The two family members were escorted to the bedside by Drew who also helped them don the proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Not only was she titrating drugs, ensuring the family's comfort, and setting up Facetime with the family outside, she was also anticipating many needs before anyone even knew they needed them.

“As the team moved the patient to comfort care, and later pronounced his time of death, she continued to go above and beyond. She personally held the daughter of the patient on the bed as she sobbed with grief from watching her dad die. She unhurriedly helped the family members doff their PPE and personally packed the patient's belongings along with gloves and bleach wipes for the family when they arrived home. To follow, she escorted the two family members downstairs and developed a plan for the ‘last goodbye.’

“Once the family all reunited on the top of the parking garage, they waved goodbye and blew kisses. This was the sign they had all planned. Drew waved back and shut the blinds to the patient room and proceeded with attentive, respectful, and honorable post-mortem care. Drew made one HORRIBLE day for this family bearable with her diligence, thoughtfulness, and grace.”

Nomination edited for clarity.

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The Professional Nursing Staff Organization honors up to two UVA RNs each month with a DAISY Award. Nominations may be submitted by patients, patient families, visitors, and fellow UVA team members. Learn more at uvadaisy.com.