Erin Clark
November 2014
Erin
Clark
,
RN
Prep and Discharge
DCH Health System
Tuscaloosa
,
AL
United States
My son cut his right ring finger and severed the nerve in that finger. He had surgery to attempt to repair the nerve. Erin Clark was the stand-out nurse among the 8 or 9 people we encountered that day. She came to get him less than ten minutes after he checked in, introducing herself individually to each of us. My son was naturally a little nervous. Her friendly, upbeat demeanor instantly put him at ease. He stayed that way throughout the prep process, largely due to the way she interacted with him. During prep, we both asked lots of questions. Erin fielded them readily, politely and with confidence.
She never missed a beat in performing her duties and interacting (always efficiently and respectfully) with other staff members. She clearly demonstrated sincere interest in what had happened to my son, how he was feeling, making him comfortable, and was especially attentive and encouraging when Ian expressed his medical aspirations. After surgery, Erin's level disposition had a calming effect. She gave both of us detailed directions about what to expect and do in the upcoming days, and she was emphatic about what would warrant a call to the doctor or trip to emergency. She didn't just tell us these things, she checked multiple times during this short discussion to make sure we understood her instructions (which were crystal clear) and had no questions. How often have all of us listened to a set of instructions, and a little later wondered, "Was I supposed to do this or that"? Not a chance in this case! She was encouraging, but (rightfully) made no promises about the probability of full recovery.
I was thoroughly impressed with every aspect of Erin's performance and care. One last thing topped the day, Erin's official work day ended at about 6pm, but my son was not coherent enough to leave at that time. Erin assured us (very obviously with sincerity) that the most important thing to her was his well being and that she was staying as long as needed to allow him to recover fully enough to leave safely. She was responding to my personal concern about keeping her late.
It is with special appreciation and for these reasons that I submit this DAISY Award nomination for Erin Clark, who is richly deserving of recognition for her unselfish efforts to help others.
She never missed a beat in performing her duties and interacting (always efficiently and respectfully) with other staff members. She clearly demonstrated sincere interest in what had happened to my son, how he was feeling, making him comfortable, and was especially attentive and encouraging when Ian expressed his medical aspirations. After surgery, Erin's level disposition had a calming effect. She gave both of us detailed directions about what to expect and do in the upcoming days, and she was emphatic about what would warrant a call to the doctor or trip to emergency. She didn't just tell us these things, she checked multiple times during this short discussion to make sure we understood her instructions (which were crystal clear) and had no questions. How often have all of us listened to a set of instructions, and a little later wondered, "Was I supposed to do this or that"? Not a chance in this case! She was encouraging, but (rightfully) made no promises about the probability of full recovery.
I was thoroughly impressed with every aspect of Erin's performance and care. One last thing topped the day, Erin's official work day ended at about 6pm, but my son was not coherent enough to leave at that time. Erin assured us (very obviously with sincerity) that the most important thing to her was his well being and that she was staying as long as needed to allow him to recover fully enough to leave safely. She was responding to my personal concern about keeping her late.
It is with special appreciation and for these reasons that I submit this DAISY Award nomination for Erin Clark, who is richly deserving of recognition for her unselfish efforts to help others.