As an ICU nurse myself, I know how challenging it can be to not ‘take home your work’. We want so desperately to help our patients achieve goals and improve their health. Yet, too often it feels like outside factors are hindering our work. For example, legislation-dictated regulations and altered hospital funding can influence the care we provide at the bedside. Over the years, some nurses have become fed up with theses external issues and took matters into their own hands. Most recently, a nurse from Georgia took extraordinary measures to help one of her patients who was considered ineligible for a heart transplant because he didn’t have at-home support.
Offering New Hope: At The Bedside And Beyond
Lori Wood is a 57-year-old ICU nurse at Piedmont Newnan Hospital in Georgia and a single mother. In December 2018, she was assigned to care for John Pinkard for two days in a row. At the time, Pinkard was a 27-year-old man with chronic health issues, and high-functioning autism. He had been in and out of the hospital since August, and though he had worked as an office clerk, he was often discharged to a homeless shelter between admissions. He was too ill to work and had no family support in this time of need. (1) Pinkard’s primary caregiver, his grandma, passed away in 2012, and his mother was living in a rehabilitation facility at the time. (2)
All too aware of the issues that faced Pinkard, Wood felt his situation ‘gnaw’ at her, and she wanted to help him. She decided to ultimately make a bold move and approach Pinkard about becoming his legal guardian. Becoming his guardian was essential in many ways, as Pinkard needed a new heart, but could not get on the transplant list without a support person. Wood later described her thinking to ABC News stating, “When you’re a nurse and wanting to fix and help people that can be very frustrating if you know a patient needs something and for whatever reason, they can’t have it”. Putting her own needs and wants aside, Lori knew how devastating it would be for Pinkard to not receive a heart, and made the leap to become his guardian in order to get him on the transplant list. (2)
Who Qualifies For Organ Donation?
Developing criteria for transplant candidates in America belongs, in part, to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). However, individual hospitals and surgeons may place limits on the age range and medical conditions that fall within the scope of their transplant program. Forming transplant criteria is considered the key to long-term successful organ donations by UNOS. Other than lack of a support system, common reasons for why a patient would in ineligible for an organ transplant include obesity, cancer, immune system status, and a number of failing organs. Donation criteria can also change between the different types of organs, and may, as a result, change eligibility. (3)
Still Making A Difference
Because of Lori Wood’s selfless actions, Pinkard received a new heart in the summer of 2019. He thrived after receiving the new organ, and Wood continues to be an important part of Pinkard’s life. She helps him take his many medications, attend doctor’s appointments, and is providing him with practical life skills, so he can live independently. As well, the two enjoy watching football and game shows together, while relaxing in big comfy chairs.
In late 2019, Lori Wood was nominated and received the 360 President’s Award, offered by her hospital. As per the hospital, the award recognizes “deserving employees who go above and beyond for patients, visitors or their co-workers”. No doubt, this description fits Wood to a tee, and her actions continue to inspire many she knows.
