The Care Team was struggling with how they would be able to discharge a patient safely. The patient, who had the cognitive level of an 11-year-old, would not be able to go home until he could manage his diabetes. Joyce, Nampa Hospital Diabetic Educator, worked with the Speech Therapist who helped determine how this individual might learn best. Joyce decided that he would learn best by playing a game. When talking about this experience Joyce shared, "One of my biggest challenges with this patient was making sure he understood the levels his blood glucose was at, and how to treat it. I made a game board with green "good blood sugar", yellow "warning blood sugar maybe heading in the wrong direction", and red "stop, how do we treat this blood sugar?" Joyce found little plastic chips that were red, yellow, and green then labeled them with possible blood glucose readings. Joyce tested the game with her 10-year-old daughter and she was able to pick up the concept easily. The patient found the game just as fun and Joyce was able to verify his understanding of how to treat his blood glucose levels.
What an amazing example of what St. Luke's strives for; Individualized Patient-Centered Care! Nampa's ICU Nursing/Patient Care Manager added, "Our staff heard Joyce working with the patient in his room. We were in awe as we listened to Joyce play this board game with him. He was laughing and was completely engaged in the activity." Within the next few days, this patient was able to be discharged home, with the tools he needed to manage his care safely.
Thank you, Joyce, for your commitment to the patients at St. Luke's. It is because of your caring professional practice that we can continue to serve our community in the manner it deserves.