Diane Giles, MSN, RN, CNL
WellStar Kennestone
End-of-life situations are among the most difficult for care givers, families and health care providers. But when an elderly couple is separated by their own health issues, it becomes nearly impossible to bear. Not so when Diane Giles of WellStar Kennestone is on the case.
Mr. and Mrs. Jones lived in an assisted living facility when she was admitted to Kennestone suffering from atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. While she was being treated her husband of 67 years passed away in hospice. “Because she was hospitalized, she was unable to see him one last time,” Giles said. “I couldn’t let her miss the opportunity to say goodbye.” Giles went to work with Mrs. Jones’ family, her physician, hospital administrators and the funeral home. “If she can’t go to him, why can’t we bring him here?” she asked. And that’s just what was done, tenderly, discretely and compassionately, so that Mrs. Jones and her family could have a private visit right there in her hospital room.
According to coworker Jennifer Nack, who nominated Diane, “it was an emotional event on the unit; nevertheless, the appreciation this family had for Diane’s work was palpable. Rather than seeing this tragic event as a barrier to starting her routine, she felt honored to care for this patient.
Mrs. Jones was later discharged. Several days later, an administrator from the assisted living facility called Giles’ supervisor to praise her for going above and beyond for this family.
Nack added, “Diane deserves be recognized as a shining star due to her compassion for humanity, dedication to the nursing profession and her commitment to well being of each and every patient.”
“For me, it was a team effort with everyone involved,” Giles said. “It was such an honor to be there with her and her family at such a vulnerable time. It was a case of all the stars aligning.”
