Dawn Young 2026, BSN, RN, CM

Dawn recently had a young woman with a very unfortunate set of circumstances as a patient who required extensive coordination for her discharge planning needs. The patient required total assistance with a tracheostomy with oxygen, a feeding tube, and suction needs in addition to all the routine care needed. The family was very disconnected and fighting with each other regarding the next steps for discharge. Dawn patiently worked with ALL family members (mother, father, son, sister, aunt) to ensure all voices were heard and understood. Dawn scheduled multiple family meetings and ethics meetings to ensure all aspects of care and discharge were addressed. Initially, the mother wanted to take the patient home, but the father and son disagreed. Dawn adjusted the discharge plan to SNF. The patient was discharged to SNF and back to the hospital within an 8hr period because the mother was not satisfied with the facility (after this, the facility that she chose for discharge). Dawn then developed another discharge plan for the patient to return home. This required extensive coordination with DME companies, Home Health companies, Respiratory Therapy, ambulance transport, and the entire family. Dawn not only scheduled daily check-ins with the mother before discharge, Dawn made herself available to the mother during her PTO time to ensure the mother was comfortable with the ongoing plans and to answer any questions. Dawn also scheduled an in-home visit by the case management department before the patient's discharge. This was to reassure family members that "everything had been checked" before discharge home. This display of extraordinary compassion and care for a family and patient during a most challenging time is not unusual for Dawn. Dawn gives 100% to her patients and families and works to ensure the discharge plan is complete. Post-discharge, Dawn followed up with a call to the mother after the first night home to check on her. The mother was so appreciative that someone called "just to check on them". Dawn is an exceptional nurse case manager and is very deserving of the DAISY Award! Her care and compassion for patients and families exemplify our RISE values and all that the DAISY Award represents.