An ED patient was being admitted and was concerned her cat at home would not have any food or water while she was in the hospital. The patient did not have a phone, so was unable to call any friends or family to help take care of her cat. With the patient’s permission, Erin took it upon herself to call around, even Googling family members’ phone numbers, trying to get someone to help care for her cat. Erin knew this would help the patient relax and decrease her anxiety while she was in the hospital. Erin was unable to find any family information. Erin then, brilliantly, thought to look up the patient’s address to get a hold of the landlord. Successfully, Erin talked to the landlord who agreed to care for her cat while she was in the hospital. The patient was so relieved and less anxious once she knew her beloved pet would be okay while she was away.

When talking about the situation, Erin said, “that’s what we do … we care like family!”

Erin, thank you for “caring like family” and making a personal connection with this patient. You exemplify the qualities of a DAISY Nurse by greatly reducing this patient’s anxiety and suffering.