Joey was the charge nurse on the day shift in the ICU/IMC unit. Overnight, a homeless patient had been admitted from the ED to the ICU, and the patient had her dog with her. The staff was unsure of how to handle the dog situation since the patient did not have anyone to care for the dog while she was hospitalized. Joey immediately jumped in right away to help the dog and the patient.

Joey recognized that the dog was the patient's only family, and while the ICU bedside nurse cared for the patient, Joey focused his care on the dog by taking him outside to use the restroom and walk a bit. Joey recognized that the dog was hungry and needed water, but he could not leave the hospital, so he called the CNO M to explain the dilemma, and M brought dog food to the hospital. Joey offered to shave and cut the dog's hair at his house because the dog had matted hair everywhere and was in desperate need of grooming. M and Joey worked together on a plan to care for the dog, and Joey shaved the dog at his house.

I am so proud of Joey's selfless actions. Joey demonstrated our mission, vision, and values at Ascension through his acts of kindness and his commitment to providing care and services to the vulnerable patient in her time of need. Joey's compassion, empathy, and dedication to providing excellent care made a meaningful difference not only for this patient and dog but also for the critical care nurses around him.

Amazing job, Joey!