[magellin1]

My first job as a new RN was at a Nursing home 50 miles from home. I was a nurse 4 months so I was not surprised to be on the schedule to work on Christmas day. It was the policy of this home to only allow spouses to join their loved ones for the Christmas meal. Mrs "T" only had her son and daughter in law. The kitchen staff refused to bring all three a meal as "rules are rules". Not only was my patient heart broken, but she told me that she wouldn't eat that day of her family couldn't join her. I finally got the kitchen staff to agree to bring the meals and set a table up for them in the day room. It was actually part of the dining area, just separated by a partition. The smiles on the faces of that family made this one of my most memorable nursing moments. Five days later, on my birthday, I found Mrs "T" in her chair in her room. She had peacefully passed away. I had the peace of mind knowing that I had granted her her one last Christmas wish.

[Katnip]

Good for you for advocating for your dear lady.

That rule is ridiculous. How many people in nursing homes have living spouses anyway? Sheesh. Family is so important when you're older. None should be turned away. Does your facility have at least a family discount? The place my in laws were at charged some minimal amount, $3 for any family member to join them.

[nightingale]

Oh wow, what a wonderful thing to do. I am so glad she had you to help her.

[VivaLasViejas]

Originally Posted by magellin1

My first job as a new RN was at a Nursing home 50 miles from home. I was a nurse 4 months so I was not surprised to be on the schedule to work on Christmas day. It was the policy of this home to only allow spouses to join their loved ones for the Christmas meal. Mrs "T" only had her son and daughter in law. The kitchen staff refused to bring all three a meal as "rules are rules". Not only was my patient heart broken, but she told me that she wouldn't eat that day of her family couldn't join her. I finally got the kitchen staff to agree to bring the meals and set a table up for them in the day room. It was actually part of the dining area, just separated by a partition. The smiles on the faces of that family made this one of my most memorable nursing moments. Five days later, on my birthday, I found Mrs "T" in her chair in her room. She had peacefully passed away. I had the peace of mind knowing that I had granted her her one last Christmas wish.

What a wonderful gift you gave this dear lady! I'm sure you made her last days on earth more joyful, and how could anyone not feel good about that?

That's what I love the most about nursing.......it's a career "measured not in years, but in moments". Bless you for giving so freely of yourself to this resident and her family.

[opalmRN]

Good thing that kitchen staff didn't work the last supper!

Thanks for sharing this heartwarming story.

[Audreyfay]

What a touching story! Thanks for sharing.

[nurse2007]

Originally Posted by magellin1

My first job as a new RN was at a Nursing home 50 miles from home. I was a nurse 4 months so I was not surprised to be on the schedule to work on Christmas day. It was the policy of this home to only allow spouses to join their loved ones for the Christmas meal. Mrs "T" only had her son and daughter in law. The kitchen staff refused to bring all three a meal as "rules are rules". Not only was my patient heart broken, but she told me that she wouldn't eat that day of her family couldn't join her. I finally got the kitchen staff to agree to bring the meals and set a table up for them in the day room. It was actually part of the dining area, just separated by a partition. The smiles on the faces of that family made this one of my most memorable nursing moments. Five days later, on my birthday, I found Mrs "T" in her chair in her room. She had peacefully passed away. I had the peace of mind knowing that I had granted her her one last Christmas wish.

God bless you. This has brought tears to my eyes and reminds me of why i'm attending nursing school.