Jenny approaches every shift she works with such positive energy! She had a busy assignment in the ED and received a patient at shift change who was to be transferred to another facility for a higher level of care. This patient had an esophageal rupture and required a more specialized surgery than could be done at Mercy. She also had dementia, and her husband of 56 years was her primary caregiver.

When a receiving facility couldn't be secured, the ED provider suggested she remain at Mercy for monitoring, because her prognosis was potentially life-threatening. The patient's husband had gone home to get a few things to stay the night with her. The ED provider called to inform him that her prognosis was much worse. During this time, the patient attempted to get out of bed, and her condition was quickly deteriorating.

Jenny recognized this immediately and asked the charge nurse, me, to take care of the rest of her patients so she could provide one-on-one care for this patient. She said she "couldn't stand the thought of this patient dying alone if her husband didn't make it back." Jenny's request was accommodated by the ED staff. This was such a thoughtful, kind, and caring approach to honor this patient, who had such a beautiful relationship with her husband. Jenny is a well-deserving recipient of the DAISY award for her respectful and kind care of this patient.