Jeremy Bigge has been a member of our facility for several years. As a float he is able to make a positive impact in a variety of settings and locations within our facility. He has taken on a leadership role as a part-time supervisor as well as floor nurse on most every inpatient floor of the hospital. He is often tasked with floating to the ICU where the patients can be more critical and with that more scared of the unknown.

Jeremy had an interaction with a patient recently in our ICU where he was able to alleviate the fear that the patient was experiencing regarding his discharge disposition. That patient made a point to call the hospital to personally recognize Jeremy in that moment of his care. The patient was set to discharge back to an assisted living where the patient had previously had a poor experience. The patient was so frustrated with this plan that he stated that “he was ready to head out to the street and did not due to Jeremy’s encouragement and listening." He felt that he was very supportive and helped him to be willing to go back and try this particular assisted living center again. He felt that Jeremy "restored his faith in humanity and that his family and our facility were lucky to have him." He stated that Jeremy was "a very special man." He wished to let everyone know that he made an impact on him and felt that he didn’t probably know how much.

Not all of the impacts that our staff make have to be huge dramatic acts. Sometimes just being there for a patient and listening makes more of an impact than any other action. Being the support person for a patient and encouraging them is sometimes exactly what the patient needs in that moment. I feel like Jeremy did just that in this instance. And I know that he left a significant impact on this patient and helped him to cope with his disposition to the assisted living center.

Note: This is Jeremy's 2nd DAISY Award!