Elizabeth E Brinker
November 2022
Elizabeth E
Brinker
,
RN, BSN
Dietician Services
Mercy Hospital Washington
Washington
,
MO
United States
She was a nurse for a gentleman who was in his early 40s and had been battling diabetes since he was 19 years old. She performed diabetes Education with the patient and ended up being this man’s guardian angel. It turns out he couldn’t be compliant with his medication because of insulin costs. She was able to figure out what would work for him, educate him on how and why to use this certain medication, and got the exact amount it would cost for him a month. She made sure before he was discharged it was affordable for the patient. In the process of all this, the man started crying and really shared with her how hard it is to have diabetes from a young age and how he was just exhausted from it. She took the time to talk with him and checked on him repeatedly throughout his admission. She took the time to consult with the hospitalist regarding other medical concerns the patient had discussed with her which resulted in the patient getting assistance with his depression.
Finally, through her efforts and building a sincere relationship with the patient, she found out he no longer was under the care of a PCP. I watched her call multiple doctor offices in the patient’s area to make sure he got set up as a new patient, and she made the appt for him so his diabetes could be well managed. Afterward, we talked about how a lot of diabetic patients end up suffering from depression because of how hard the disease can be. I could tell she was passionate about what she could do for patients who are diabetic. When that patient discharged, he was smiling and was in a better place I could tell he felt like he had a better path to go on. He gave her and me a hug when he left.
I truly believe she showed mercy values and went above and beyond for this patient. The patient went from crying to smiling in the course of 48 hours and it is largely thanks to this particular caretaker who just took the time to educate, teach, care, and show compassion for a man who was struggling with an irreversible illness.
Throughout that patient’s admission, the caretaker provided skilled, compassionate, and individualized care. She developed personal connections to promote physical and emotional healing. She listed and communicated effectively with the patient/family and finally always made that patient a priority. She was truly the definition of a DAISY Nurse.
Finally, through her efforts and building a sincere relationship with the patient, she found out he no longer was under the care of a PCP. I watched her call multiple doctor offices in the patient’s area to make sure he got set up as a new patient, and she made the appt for him so his diabetes could be well managed. Afterward, we talked about how a lot of diabetic patients end up suffering from depression because of how hard the disease can be. I could tell she was passionate about what she could do for patients who are diabetic. When that patient discharged, he was smiling and was in a better place I could tell he felt like he had a better path to go on. He gave her and me a hug when he left.
I truly believe she showed mercy values and went above and beyond for this patient. The patient went from crying to smiling in the course of 48 hours and it is largely thanks to this particular caretaker who just took the time to educate, teach, care, and show compassion for a man who was struggling with an irreversible illness.
Throughout that patient’s admission, the caretaker provided skilled, compassionate, and individualized care. She developed personal connections to promote physical and emotional healing. She listed and communicated effectively with the patient/family and finally always made that patient a priority. She was truly the definition of a DAISY Nurse.