There is a patient on the Neuro Care Unit that has been in the hospital for some time. The patient is usually fine but occasionally becomes belligerent and violent. I floated to Neuro about a month ago and took care of this patient. He left his room stating, "I’m leaving and there is nothing you can do to stop me." The patient walked over to CIU. I followed at a safe distance while calling security on my Vocera. When the patient reached the back of CIU where there is a stairway (near the parking garage) the patient stopped. Kevin was nearby and I asked him to help me get the patient back to his room. Kevin walked over and chatted with the patient. Within a few minutes, Kevin and the patient walked together back to his room on Neuro. Kevin sat with the patient chatting for a few minutes and then went back to CIU. The patient recently assaulted a Neuro nurse in the stairwell. He was then moved to Med/Tele.

On another occasion, the patient had made his way to CIU once again and was heading for the stairwell. He was accompanied by 2 security guards, the med/tele charge nurse, the patient’s nurse that day, house supervisor, and 2 other people. I called Kevin on Vocera and asked him to help with the patient. Kevin walked up to the patient and sat next to him like they were old friends. Kevin and the patient sat and chatted for a while and then Kevin walked him back to his room. Kevin was able to do in a few minutes what 7 other people could not. We all know Kevin is very charming in addition to being a great nurse, but it was a really special moment to watch him de-escalate the situation while making a genuine connection with a patient who has been a patient in the hospital for a very long time. He brings levity and kindness to his practice, and he jokes with his fellow co-workers, and visitors to the hospital. Kevin never - ever says no when you ask him for help.

Note: This is Kevin's 2nd DAISY Award!