Erica Dunmore has exemplified what it means to be a nurse who cares for ALL patients. After being a pediatric nurse for over 13 years she decided to transition into adult nursing and I believe this is one of the best choices she could have ever made. I have never met a nurse so caring and concerned for her patients. They absolutely love her and are always leaving compliments or asking to speak with her specifically because she has made them feel so comfortable when caring for them.
This nurse devotes herself to her patients and demonstrates integrity, compassion, and excellence on a daily basis when providing care. Even when she did not have much experience in adult nursing and was just starting out she showed these attributes in the care she provided to a patient who was having a difficult time trusting the healthcare system. This patient was very hesitant in coming into the clinic for Diabetes education but would not divulge why. When she finally came in for a visit with this Erica she refused to have a foot exam. The patient stated, "I never let anyone check my feet because when you have diabetes the doctors like to cut your feet off". Instead of agreeing to skip the foot exam, this nurse explained why a foot exam was needed and how it could potentially save lives. Her patient reluctantly agreed to have her foot examined and on her "very first foot exam" Erica discovered that patient had a necrotic toe and that is the reason why she was hesitant in having her foot examined. Erica referred her patient directly to the ER for an immediate follow.
However, she did not stop there. The next day Erica reviewed this patient's chart and noticed that she did not go to the ER to be seen. She called her patient multiple times and she was finally able to get a hold of her and made sure she went to the ER that same day. Her patient was originally upset that she had been called so many times. Her patient was assessed and unfortunately, her toe had to be amputated. A few days later when the patient came back in for a follow-up with Erica she hugged her and thanked her for "bothering and nagging" her. She told her that the ER doctor had notified her that if she would have waited a little while longer she would have needed a complete foot amputation. Since the patient came in they were able to save her foot and only amputate her toe. She sees this patient often now and the patient makes sure to let everyone know that Erica saved her foot.
I have had many years to experience this nurse grow and she exhibits all the characteristics of what a DAISY Nurse is. I am extremely proud to have her as a coworker and to recognize her.
Note: This is Erica's 2nd DAISY Award!