Background on the situation: I am a regular Tampa Police, Off Duty Officer assigned to work TGH - ER for added security. Recently, at approximately 6:15 AM I was called to the ER Ramp for a report of an argumentative and belligerent patient, who was being discharged. The patient was angry and yelled at TGH Security. I was able to deescalate him. But he refused to get on the Shuttle to be transported to the Bus Stop, because he could not walk. TGH Security was at an impasse with him. The Patient stated he usually gets an Uber, but he was only given a Bus Pass this time. He expressed concerns that he could not walk, and his wheelchair was left at his home when he was transported to TGH. He did not want TGH Security to take him to the Bus Stop. He became more frustrated and said he would take himself in a wheelchair. 

I offered to escort him to the Bus Stop, and he agreed. I helped him onto the bench and left him at the TGH Bus Stop with his Crutches and personal belongings. I returned the TGH Wheelchair to the ER. Then I returned to the crosswalk to conduct my daily traffic detail. I noticed the patient was still sitting on the bench. Two city buses came and went, and told him they could not help him. I would like to mention multiple people, medical personnel passed by him during this time. Approximately 45 minutes passed by, and the patient was still on the bench, visibly upset and crying. That was until Alexa showed up (TGH R/N ICU, Unit 5-C, 1, 2). 

I cannot express how impressed I am with her professionalism, caring, and determination to help this patient. Alexa just finished her overnight shift in the ICU and was going home when she saw the patient and stopped. She simply cared enough to ask if he was okay. She recognized something was wrong. When multiple people walked by, Alexa chose to stop, chose kindness. Alexa then approached me and said that the person needs help. We needed a wheelchair but could not find one. We asked the bus driver if they could help, and they said no. Alexa gently leaned down to his eye level and asked him how he got home. He told us he usually gets an Uber and they take him straight home, where his wheelchair is located. But this time, he was not given an Uber. Alexa looked at me and said, "I am getting/ordering him an Uber." I asked Alexa if I could pay her half of the cost, and she immediately said no. 

Upon hearing this, the patient simply cried. Alexa ordered his Uber at which time another bus pulled up and would not move. The Uber driver arrived and parked behind the bus. He and I carried the patient to his car. This patient could not walk. Alexa is an example of excellence and a true professional! She is a wonderful ambassador and a credit to Tampa General Hospital Family. In this divisive world, I can tell you, it is truly refreshing to see such a young professional show such kindness. Alexa restored my faith in humanity. It is for these reasons, and without any hesitation, I commend Alexa for her extraordinary kindness and services to this TGH Patient. Because of Alexa, this patient left TGH on this date with a good feeling towards Tampa General Hospital, and of course towards Alexa. Well Done, Alexa.