Jeremy not only has big muscles but a big heart. Jeremy is an amazing nurse every day, but today he was extraordinary. There was a pediatric male patient in the emergency room for over 72 hours at this point waiting for psychiatric placement. When Jeremy heard this young man's story and history, empathy poured out. Jeremy decided to make frequent visits to his room to check on him and talk, even when this patient was not his assignment. Jeremy knew he could make a difference in this patient's care as a great male and fatherly role model. This particular patient had unpredictable behavior and needed a sitter. Jeremy even started an IV on this gentleman but was able to avoid chemically restraining him because of all of Jeremy's love and support, frequently rounding, and chit-chats.
When Jeremy finally did receive this patient in his assignment, he challenged this young man to a push-up contest. He volunteered to go first, confident of his abilities, as he has been training all pandemic long as if he was doing it for his occasion alone. Jeremy completed about 60 perfectly militant push-ups. Watching the entire time, the patient smiled and cheered. When it was the patient's turn, Jeremy provided gloves and then did the same thing, smiled, and cheered. Now a small crowd gathered, the competition was on! 60..61..62..63..64..65! Wow! Jeremy was beat! The two competitors high-fived and laughed together. The patient continued to have a much better day filled with smiling and dancing.
Jeremy not only had a significant impact on this patient's day or ED stay but on the entire ED team. From sitters, to fellow nurses, to doctors and techs, Jeremy's empathy and joy transformed the department. So many of us felt encouraged to be the best nurses we can be. Jeremy's big muscles may have lost the push-up contest, but his big heart deserves this DAISY Award. Thank you, Nurse JEREMY!