One day when I was working on 3NW with Julia, she was caring for a very sick patient. This patient was from a group home, had a mental disability, and had been admitted to the hospital for a hip fracture. When Julia first assessed the patient in the morning, she noticed his coloring, breathing, and vital signs were just not right. The patient was scheduled for the OR shortly that morning. Julia acted fast, calling each necessary doctor and the anesthesiologist to notify them of the patient’s condition. She was told by a doctor to make sure the patient was optimized for the OR within the hour. Julia, knowing this wasn’t possible, continued to fight for this patient, knowing that surgery wasn’t the best for the patient at this time.

Eventually, the surgery was postponed, proper imaging, labs, and blood were ordered for this patient. Julia was a true advocate for this patient. Due to his mental disability, he wasn’t able to advocate for himself and Julia made sure she was his voice. Throughout all of the testing, labs, and blood transfusion, Julia held the patient’s hand and sang to him to help keep him calm, as the patient did not have family close by to be with him. You could tell the patient was instantly calmed by the presence of Julia. Julia exuded patience, professionalism, and empathy. I frequently experience Julia’s passion for nursing and believe she is a true DAISY Nurse.