On Friday night, multiple traumatized children were brought to the department for injury assessments by CPS, their sibling was critically injured and taken to Kalamazoo from the scene. Jeff Roberts was the charge nurse and these patients were close in age to Jeff's own children. He was quick to note the children were withdrawn and not interacting with their environment. I was told that Jeff read "every book we have, complete with voices." Jeff provided wheelchair rides in the hall and treated the kids to a "simulated" collision, which made them smile. He tells me of giving one of the children a cookie and noting the child seemed unsure what to do with it: uncertain if she should eat it, keep it or if she would be in trouble for having it. Jeff made sure the children were fed and constructed a "tea party" for them in his best Mrs. Doubtfire accent, there was no shortage of cookies at this party!
It was noted by staff that others attempted to read to the patients, but they did not respond as well without the theatric performance Jeff Provided. Jeff said you could tell the kids were attention deprived because "they soaked it all up." Jeff coordinated with our on-site law enforcement officer who called for backup to provide plush toys. By the end of their stay, the children were interacting with their environment and were released into the custody of CPS.
Jeff's background as a devoted father helped him rapidly assess the social needs of the patients and provide out of the box interventions. I believe the actions of Jeffery Roberts Jr. highlight the highest standards of nursing empathy and I am proud to have him as a part of our Emergency Department team.