Charles has demonstrated his dedication to patient's, families and to the nursing profession on more than one occasion that I have personally observed. As a nurse myself, advocating for patients and their families is a necessary part of nursing. Charles has functioned as an advocate on two separate occasions that I have witnessed. I am employed at UVMC as the team leader for ICU/PCU. On 2 separate occasions I had patients that needed symptom management in the inpatient unit and no intake nurse would be available in a timely manner. Charles went above and beyond for these patients that desperately needed comfort at end of life. He went out of his way to make sure both patients received admission to the inpatient unit in a timely manner.
The most recent patient was admitted to the PCU with respiratory distress from a local ECF. The patient was a Hospice of Miami County patient prior to admission and the daughter had a bad experience with the Hospice nurse in the ECF setting. I spent time with the daughter and son they made the decision to continue Hospice services and wanted their mother in the Hospice inpatient unit as soon as possible. They desperately wanted their mother comfortable, as she was in respiratory distress on bipap (which daughter states she hates) and having considerable pain. She needed symptom management as quickly as possible. Again, no one was available to admit the patient to the inpatient unit. Charles advocated for this patient and family by staying and hour and half past the end of his shift to admit the patient himself, make sure the patient was transferred and to ensure her comfort at end of life. Charles went "above and beyond" for this patient and family.
As a nurse of 17 years, I know that if any patient needs comfort at end of life, Charles will do what it takes to ensure it happens. He puts the patient and family first as it should be. Thanks, Charles for all you do.
Note: This is Charles's 2nd DAISY Award!