Decatur Morgan Emergency Department

Recently, the ER team encountered a patient who arrived in a state of emotional distress after moving into a new group home. The patient did not meet criteria for inpatient psych but was also refused to be allowed back at this new group home. The search for a new group home became a long process that caused him to stay in the ED for 28 days! The patient had a low IQ and a sad history of abuse at the hands of his parents, DHR was his only guardian but that left him alone without visitors during his ER stay. In a situation where clinical care could have easily been limited to stabilizing and awaiting placement, several ER staff members took it upon themselves to go above and beyond.

Understanding the importance of dignity and comfort, especially for a patient in crisis, Penni Knight, Brittney Pearson, Susan Dickerscheid, and Kennedy Wiley brought in food and clothing, using their own resources and time, to ensure the patient had a box full of his favorite chips, candy, soda, and Little Debbie snacks. They bought him a duffle bag full of new outfits (shorts and shirts), underwear, socks, and shoes to wear while in the ER and to have new items to take to his new group home! This act wasn’t part of any protocol; it was pure empathy in action. They treated the patient not just as a case, but as a human being worthy of warmth, compassion, and respect. Their kindness brought a sense of security and love to a very vulnerable patient, reminding all of us why we entered this profession: to care deeply, wholly, and without hesitation.

This selfless act speaks volumes about the ER team’s character and commitment to compassion, humanity, and dedication to patient-centered care. They not only treated the patient medically, but also emotionally, making a lasting impact not just on the patient, but on everyone who witnessed their actions.

I wholeheartedly nominate the above ER staff for the DAISY Award.