Recently, Connie displayed an act of extraordinary compassionate care for an Emergency Department patient. EMS arrived with a patient who was experiencing an altered level of consciousness as a result of septic shock. This patient had been living in his car, and as a result, was not able to wash or clean himself for more than three months. The patient had severe wounds all over his body that were infested with maggots. The smell was so strong that the entire Emergency Department was overcome with the odor of decomposing flesh. Despite the natural tendency to get away from the horrific smell, Connie dressed up in Level B PPE and went into the patient's room to care for the patient. The cleaning and removing of maggots took more than two (2) hours of being in the tight suit with a mask that did not completely stop the odor. Connie’s leadership resulted in three (3) Patient Care Technicians and several other nurses also suiting up in PPE to care for the patient, move him to a clean bed, and after he was cleaned, starting care including an IV, EKG, and other procedures. As a result of the patient care received, this individual was stabilized and transferred to ICU for treatment. The patient is now out of ICU and on his way to recovery. If it had not been for Connie providing compassion to this patient under extraordinary circumstances, this patient could have died of his wounds. As a result of Connie's exemplary “can do” attitude and leadership under fire, a patient received the best possible Emergency Care.

Note: This is Connie's 2nd DAISY Award!