Denise, a charge nurse at Westside Primary Care center is a compassionate nurse with the desire to provide the best outcome for each and every patient. She leads by example in her thoughtful approach with staff and families. Recently a new mom shared how kind Denise was, taking the time to make sure her son was able to be seen. This family does not speak English and had some confusion surrounding their scheduled appointment. The new mom was overly nervous with being a new mom and following the proper instructions of her son's wound care, she was fearful of making a mistake. Her son had undergone a recent surgery, mom had questions about the bandages as well as feeding. Denise made sure to take the time to understand the mom's needs and concerns. Denise then advocated for the patient to be seen despite her arrival 3 hours after the scheduled appointment. Her son was able to be seen and the mom's questions were answered as well. This is just one example of what Denise does every day for patients and families. Even with facing the number of challenges a charge nurse encounters Denise always strives to keep a positive morale in the clinic by planning potlucks and bringing her team treats. We are so happy to have her on the team. She truly embraces the spirit of nursing.
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Denise is one of the most caring nurses I have ever seen. She is very often the first nurse to jump up when a patient needs triage in the lobby or a parent has questions about an appointment or a diagnosis. She understands how difficult it is to overbook the clinic but also understands that a sick patient should never be turned away. One morning during late start a patient came in who presented with difficulty breathing. It was clear that the patient's mom and dad were very, very worried. A doctor was not here to see the child but Denise immediately went into action and triaged and roomed the patient and saw signs that the patient was in respiratory distress and needed to be at the ER. She didn't hesitate to call the squad to make sure that patient was cared for in the most timely and efficient manner. I was incredibly proud to work with a person like Denise that day and every day that I work with her. She is deserving of the DAISY Award. She is an excellent role model to all of our staff here at Westside about how to treat people.
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Recently, Denise exhibited excellence in critical thinking with a presenting for asthma exacerbation. The patient arrived with her mother prior to the clinic opening and no providers were present in the clinic. The patient presented with audible wheezing, retractions, and pale skin color with a history of asthma. Denise reacted quickly and roomed that patient to get an assessment to see how best to help the patient. Instead of sending patient to the ED, Denise called 911 to help support patient with nebulizer treatments/airway support if needed since doctors were not in clinic. EMS came to clinic and provided aerosol treatments. They then told the mother she could safely take the child home. Denise advocated for parents, stating they were not comfortable with the child going home yet. Denise then monitored the child until our physicians arrived to the clinic and could see the child personally. She called one of our physicians to ask if they could come in early to see the patient. She ensured the family was comfortable while waiting by providing books/stickers/water/snack items to the family and patient. Denise went above and beyond to make sure this patient stayed safe and received treatment.
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Denise is always striving to make Westside clinic the best for both patients, families, and staff. For Medical Assistant week recognition Denise took it upon herself to recognize our two medical assistants by bringing in cake, balloons, and candy and sent an email to our Westside group recognizing them.
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Denise is always bringing positivity and treats to the team and all coworkers describe her as the most positive, kind hearted, excellent nurse around.
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Denise, with her positive attitude makes my shift easier and more pleasant. She can turn anybody's negative attitude into a smile and bring it into the care of our patients.
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I love Denise's heart! When one of our patient's family suffered a house fire Denise made sure to ask for donations to help this family out. She even put together a box of everything needed for the family's Thanksgiving dinner. She is a wonderful caring person and Nurse.
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Denise received The Art of Caring Award from the Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Meyer family endowment fund. She donated the money to the hospital wagon fund. She noted the money was donated from her whole team at the Westside Primary Care Center. The wagons are used by the parents and families at Nationwide Children's Hospital while they are at the hospital.