I am writing this nomination on behalf of a patient. When you have been a Peds nurse for as long as I have, you become an expert at reading children; I can confidently say this little boy would nominate Bridey himself, if capable. Only four years old and non-verbal, he came to the RiverBend Pediatric unit as a rule out non-accidental trauma. This child was severely physically abused, with bite marks and bruises from head to toe, among other injuries. Bridey was the primary nurse for this patient; he took a special liking to her, especially when he was alone for many days while staff determined a safe discharge plan. Bridey was 1:1 with him for several shifts, walking him around the unit for hours (literally over 20,000 steps in a day!). She helped with feeds because he had never had an organized meal. She gave him his first bath in a year. Both tasks required immense patience from her and trust from the little boy. She held him in her arms, and he gripped her tightly as he learned about all the animals displayed throughout the halls of our unit. His curiosity was encouraged, he felt safe, and he even started to smile!

These acts are just the tip of the iceberg in nominating Bridey. She has impacted this child in an even bigger way, one that has already greatly changed his life. The first foster parents came to the hospital and agreed to take him home the next day. We were all hopeful and excited. On the day of discharge, they backed out, saying he was not a good fit for their family. At this point, we waited for DHS to place the patient with another family. This process can be daunting. Bridey had a calling to connect this patient with his future foster family. She was determined to get him into a safe and supportive environment, likely for the first time in his life. Her legwork connected a PeaceHealth pharmacist and his wife, who were already in the process of becoming foster parents with social work and DHS, they were allowed to meet the patient while he remained in the hospital. Bridey recalls this meeting to be nerve-wracking for all involved but the patient quickly bonded with his new foster mother and father. It was a natural connection and by the end of the visit, everyone agreed this would be a perfect fit.

This patient came to us a shell of a child. He did not smile, he lay in a crib most of the day without interaction. He was not yet given the opportunity to learn, be curious, or feel emotionally connected to adults. He had no one to advocate for him until Bridey did. She went above and beyond for this sweet soul. He is no longer in an abusive household. He is thriving; he eats all types of foods and gets to experience so many things with his new foster family. He is gaining weight and finally learning to wear shoes! Bridey is a true DAISY Nurse.