Recently, Gina took over the care of a patient from a pest-infested home who had just arrived to our unit from the ED. The patient came to our unit accompanied by their spouse and several large bags full of belongings. When Gina took over she immediately jumped into action. She implemented the standard work for containing pests that may have come in with the patient, and even identified areas where that standard work needs to be improved. She re-showered the patient, taking a full hour to comb through the patient's hair and made sure they were fully clean before getting them into a new gown and a freshly cleaned bed with new linens. She then did the same for the patient's spouse and provided them with clean clothes from the clothing closet. Gina then sealed all of the patient and spouse's belongings in a second layer of bags and had them taken by Security to secure storage.
Mid-day on her second day taking care of the patient, Gina found an insect on the floor near where the patient's spouse had slept (consistent with their home infestation). Gina quickly caught the bug to show to maintenance, re-showered the patient and spouse, cleaned the beds and replaced all clothing and linen.
On the third day, Gina noticed a change in the spouse's condition. She again showered them, put them in new clothes, and wheeled them down to the ED for treatment. Both the patient and their spouse eventually discharged together to a skilled nursing facility with plans for their home to be decontaminated.
Gina took care of that patient (and, for most of the time, their spouse) for four straight days. What most impressed me was that she was able to treat the patient and their spouse in a way that made them feel welcomed, humanized and respected, all the while taking excellent care of three other patients. Gina never once asked for a new assignment. She never complained about how busy she was. She didn't even lose her smile. When asked about her marathon four days she replied, "It had to be done, so I did it."
We are lucky to have Gina as part of our team, and I feel she is a true DAISY Nurse.