1.17.2018
The Phone Call That Changed Everything
10.16.2020
Nurse’s Phone Call Triggered a Son’s Race to See His Mom One Last Time
When a patient’s health deteriorated, the care team prepared the patient’s family for the death of their loved one and facilitated a goals-of-care discussion. Afterwards, Jacob McQuiggan, RN, Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), put into motion a chain of events that changed the outcome of this family’s story. Jake recently received a DAISY Award for his extraordinary care of the patient and family. Read the full DAISY Award nomination below to find out how one phone call made all the difference.
“I took report from Jake and his orientee on a patient in our Medical ICU that I'd had the day before. At that time, she was sick but stable, on two pressors and continuous dialysis but only on nasal cannula oxygen, and able to communicate with me.
“Today, when Jake and his orientee Julie cared for the patient, she'd gone sharply downhill, requiring intubation and significantly increased vasopressors. It was clear to the medical team that the patient was declining and Jake and Julie took part in a goals-of-care discussion that broke the news to the family. They decided to progress to comfort care but were some hours away, so the patient was made a DNAR-B [do not attempt resuscitation, no escalation of care].
“Thus far, Jake's actions were fairly typical for a MICU nurse. What really impressed me was what he did after this goals-of-care conversation. The patient's son is currently serving in the Navy, stationed in South Carolina. Jake took the initiative of calling the Red Cross to receive special dispensation for the patient's son to be released for an end-of-life visit. We do not know if he will be able to make it to UVA in time, but he should at least have the opportunity, thanks to Jake.*
“Jake also spoke extensively with the family and with the Patient Experience Office to ensure fair and safe visitation for other family members while still adhering to our COVID-19 visitation guidelines. He found a recliner chair for one family member to stay at the patient's bedside and offered a list of nearby hotels for another to stay in the area.
“Currently, family members aren't allowed at the bedside unless the patient is officially a DNAR-C [comfort measures]. Jake explained the situation to the Patient Experience Office and worked to enable clear visitation parameters for all concerned.
“He went above and beyond for this patient and family in the midst of this pandemic, and I am proud to work with him.”
Nomination edited for clarity.
*Update: Since the DAISY Award nomination was written, we found out that the patient’s son made it to UVA in time, and the patient passed with her daughter, son, and two sisters at bedside. Thank you for making this happen, Jake!
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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.
Excellent job Nurse McQuiggan. That is how Compassion looks. We only get one chance to assure a families last moments are as good as they can be. No do-overs. This is more important than anything else we do in end of life situations. Thanks you for stepping up and being proactive. That man and his family will not forget those last moments. As the Palliative Care Liaison I salute you sir.
As a dear nurse told me years ago, “Your patients usually only get to die once, so make sure it is the best it can be.” Thank you for your compassion and excellent work in caring for this patient and family. You are a credit to the MICU and UVAHS!
This is what nursing is all about. I commend you for the compassion you gave not only this patient, but also her family. In times like this, patient advocating is so important. I’m sure you feel like you were just doing your job, but you made a BIG difference to this family and they will never forget the compassionate nurse that helped them say goodbye to a loved one.
Wow, this was such a great story to read! What a wonderful job to did to ensure the best for your patients and their families, you are one of a kind.
What an incredible story! Jake you are the definition of nursing at its finest. Thank you for the compassionate care you give to every patient in your hands.