March 2018
Danette
Thorne
,
RN
Chemo
Temple University Hospital
Philadelphia
,
PA
United States

 

 

 

Dannette Thorne has a special connection with patients on her unit. She has worked for Temple for about 14 years; she is very knowledgeable, an excellent charge nurse, chemotherapy certified and a hard worker. Dannette is always providing her patients with education not only on their medical diagnosis but also emotional support on their cancer journey and chemotherapy treatments. She works not only her regular shifts but picks up extra shifts to administer chemotherapy to patients on her floor and other floors. She is down to earth, has excellent assessment skills and is easy to talk to.
In early June, Danette performed an incredible act of bravery. She did not think about herself nor did she expect nurses to recognize her. That night she was able to stop a delirious and violent patient from hurting his roommate. She was able to provide an intervention learned from the ART training, saving another patients life. This night, she was not the Charge nurse nor were the two patients in her assignment.
When I asked Danette why she has intervened, she answered, "Someone had to think about the victim and how helpless he was during the assault." She put her fears to the side and went beyond her scope until security and the police arrived to help her put the patient in the bed and restrain him in all 4 points. She provided her staff with a sense of security and took charge of the situation.
Dannette demonstrated extraordinary service and compassionate care and is an outstanding role model.