Our emergency department is no stranger to holding patients for care. Every so often, we have patients who become long-term residents of our department while they await placement at another facility or home discharge. Of these patients, our most vulnerable is that of the pediatric psych population. Placement for these patients can often lead to extended stays. One we most recently have faced is an 11-year-old female awaiting placement through the state. Delaney demonstrated a level of compassion and humanity that embodies the true spirit of nursing.
This pediatric psych patient has been a resident in our emergency department for over 600 hours, awaiting decisions from the state regarding her housing placement. This young patient has endured a few hardships, including trouble at home, rare family visits, and the unimaginable reality of spending weeks confined to a single room in the ER.
While it would be easy for anyone to view this situation as overwhelming or outside the scope of our typical role, Delaney saw a child in need of care, dignity, and hope. She went above and beyond to provide comfort and normalcy during a time of uncertainty.
Delaney arranged for security to escort her and the patient outside so she could watch the sunrise, a simple but profound gesture that gave her a taste of freedom and fresh air after being stuck inside for weeks. She didn’t stop there. Delaney asked the patient if there was one thing she could do to make her stay a little better. The patient asked for a picnic.
Delaney, showing her trademark compassion, went to the store after her night shift, purchased the patient’s requested items, and returned the next day to bring her vision to life. She didn’t do this alone; she gathered staff, who chipped in to buy PJs and toiletries, and had them join the patient, giving her a much-needed sense of social connection and joy. In that moment, an ER room transformed into a place of laughter, kindness, and belonging.
Because of Delaney’s empathy and dedication, this patient, who has endured so much uncertainty and absence from her family, was able to feel cared for, valued, and loved. She gave this young girl something that cannot be charted or ordered: humanity and the chance to smile during her month-long stay in our department.
Delaney’s actions remind us all of why we became nurses: not just to provide medical care, but to heal through compassion, presence, and advocacy. She is a shining example of the DAISY Award’s mission, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this recognition.
Thank you, Delaney, for going above and beyond to bring light to one of our most vulnerable patients.