Anna
Packer
May 2023
Anna
Packer
,
Student Nurse
Indiana University South Bend
South Bend
,
IN
United States
Anna enthusiastically volunteered to care for the family member of a fellow staff nurse as others hesitated given the unavoidable scrutiny and challenge.
Here’s a story inevitably falling short of describing an inspirational nurse and the epitome of a DAISY Award winner deserving of far more words and acclamation. Anna enthusiastically volunteered to care for the family member of a fellow staff nurse as others hesitated given the unavoidable scrutiny and challenge. This speaks volumes to her commitment to compassionate patient care; no challenge is greater than her love and care and its prioritization above her own comfort or fear. Due to condition and age, this patient was resistant, uncooperative, and verbalized pain to even the most delicate touch. So much so that only the most caring and composed nurse would remain persistent as opposed to frustrated. Having already helped other clinical students earlier in the day, Anna requested help simply to expedite care on behalf of the patient. Without this, her fellow students would not have gotten a glimpse of how pleasantly and calmly she cared for this patient even up until the last hour of the day. Her detailed care included foot and cuticle care. Labs and vital assessments did not go unnoticed as extensive conversations with staff nurses and post-conference discussions delved into disease state and potential for intervention and care. This picture embodies patient advocacy, but her connection to the patient continued past the end of the workday. Anna continued to communicate with the staff nurse family member checking in on the patient even after the patient had left the floor. Anna is a strong individual who displays compassion, connects with her patients and family members, and advocates for them all while standing up to any challenge or hurdle in accomplishing these. The timing of this story emboldens its meaning as Anna’s family was recently struck by her husband losing his job. Seemingly leaving her family with small ones without a comfortable means of subsistence. Daunting merely to continue forward, this is where Anna’s wisdom and strength truly shine through, as this patient was given excellent care amidst her personal tragedy.