July 2022
Jennifer
Rogers
,
RN
Emergency Department
Baptist Memorial Healthcare Corporation
Memphis
,
TN
United States
Jennifer's concern spoke volumes to the heart that she has in caring not just for her patients, but also for ensuring the care of the entire family.
A patient arrived to our hospital with stroke like symptoms. I received a call from a specific nurse, to offer me a customary department update which helps to provide timely and appropriate care. She took great care in stressing her concerns over this particular patient. During the course of treating the patient, the care required became more intense while the patient offered little to no response to treatment and her prognosis began to look poor. While the patient was being cared for, her husband and two of her children were present with another child a short distance away, and a fourth child trying to get here from out of state to make some very difficult decisions. We assigned the patient a bed in our Neuro ICU; however, the nurse called me with great concern over her family being able to be with her due to the number of family members. She expressed concern about moving the patient if the family wouldn’t be allowed to be with her and make the decisions that were needed. She stated, “As busy as we are down here, I had rather keep this patient here for her family to be able to be together to make these decisions if they can’t do that on the unit.” While we made accommodations for the patient and her family, the nurse's concern spoke volumes to the heart that she has in caring not just for her patients, but also for ensuring the care of the entire family. She not only represents the very principle on which The DAISY Foundation was founded but as a leader in her department, also sets a shining example for younger nurses by fulfilling a portion of the three-fold ministry of Christ. She was not only caring for the patient but also "Teaching" other staff to consider emotional needs as well as physical needs while providing a sense of "Healing" for the family by ensuring their comfort and presence during a very difficult time. The nurse’s actions and thoughtful consideration of others, not only represent what The DAISY Award stands for, but also her “Lead by example” approach makes her an outstanding leader. This nurse is an asset to Baptist and we are proud to have her on our team.