Joanna Berry RN recognized that a particular patient in the community has a rare and life-threatening illness. As this patient is a member of the community with high potential for being a patient in the emergency room with some frequency, Joanna took it upon herself to become more familiar with the disease process and its management. In addition to increasing her own knowledgebase, she also advanced her knowledge to her peers and colleagues in the Emergency Department, heightening their awareness of this community member's need. She also coordinated in-services with product representatives and shared information about the patient's treatments with the Infusion Center and medication requirements from Pharmacy with her co-workers.

The Piedmont mission is that we, the community of healthcare providers will deliver "healthcare marked by compassion and sustainable excellence in a progressive environment, guided by physicians, delivered by exceptional professionals, and inspired by the communities which we serve." Joanna, inspired by this community member and moved with compassion for her condition, has proven herself to be one of the exceptional professionals who staff our Emergency Department. Her efforts exemplify the Piedmont Promise to "make safety our top priority".