Arijeta (Ari) Gjemnica, RN

In early March, a patient on Davenport 9 experienced a care transition to a CMO status. This patient was the primary caregiver of his disabled significant other, with whom he lived prior to admission. Following this change in status, the significant other expressed a desire to be with him but due to her disability, was not able to arrange transportation (communication with her until this point had been via telephone), however, the case manager on the unit was able to arrange a chair car for her transport to Davenport 9 on that day. 

Upon the patient's arrival to the unit, Ari, the patient's primary nurse, observed that the patient's significant other’s appearance was disheveled and unkempt. Ari could see that the visitor was soiled and uncomfortable with her appearance as she struggled to hide certain parts of her clothing from staff members and the chair car attendant. 

Understanding that her primary caregiver has been unavailable for some time to provide necessary care, Ari and the evening shift PCA team offered to assist in providing hygiene care to the visitor. They accomplished this in a kind and respectful manner that protected and supported the visitor’s dignity.  This was obvious in the decrease anxiousness seen in the patient’s loved one. They then assisted her to his bedside.

The RN (Ari) called local police to do a wellness check on her later that night, and the patient’s significant other was then admitted to our unit from the ED, as she clearly was unable to care for herself and future plans relating to her care needed to be addressed through the health care system. 

The Davenport 9 team, led by Ari Gjemnica, went above and beyond to recognize, understand, and assist someone in need. They approached the situation in a united, empathetic, and professional way that transcended traditional assignments and tasks at hand.