During a preadmission visit, Carole noted the patient's blood sugar was extremely elevated, although the patient had no known medical history. The patient was Spanish-speaking, so Carole used the translator system to help interpret and discuss her concerns with the patient. Upon digging further, Carole discovered the patient had a previously high blood sugar at another doctor's visit. She continued to talk with the patient, orthopedics, and anesthesia, and it was ultimately determined that the patient needed to be seen/evaluated in the ED for the extremely high blood sugar level. The patient had his two under-aged children with him during the preadmission visit. Carole obtained consent from the patient for him to be treated in the ED and escorted them to the ED waiting area.

While with the patient, Carole learned that the patient's wife was at home, did not drive, and did not speak very much English. Once Carole completed her tasks for the day, she went to the ED to check on the patient and the children. She discovered that they were still in the waiting room, and then began to inquire about where they lived. Carole asked the father if it was ok for her to take the oldest child home to get the mother and then bring the mother back to the hospital so that she could wait with them. The oldest child was 17 and spoke English enough to be able to direct Carole to their home. Carole also stopped and purchased food for the family so that they could have food to eat while they waited in the ED.

I cannot express how much this shows how caring, and compassionate Carole is in her day-to-day work as a nurse! Just the thoughtfulness of taking her care beyond that of the patient's medical needs, and extending it to the family, exemplifies why she is a DAISY award Nurse!