Nick La Marca took care of a patient and her husband in a manner that exemplifies the DAISY Award. Nick's focus was not only on the patient but also on her husband. This was a high stress time as the patient had just had a baby and was not feeling well. The patient's husband sent an email regarding the care they received from Nick. The patient's husband stated that before the patient was discharged she expressed that she was still having severe back pain and having difficulty using the bathroom. He stated that once the patient was discharged, three hours later they returned to the ED via ambulance.
The patient and husband stated that Nurse Nick came in to set up the IV, took vital signs and then asked him how he was doing. The husband stated he went to the cafeteria and Nurse Nick came in and bought his lunch, without telling him, and then Nick sat and talked with him for a little while. He says
"You did not have to do that. Thank you so much, you showed that you really cared about me and my family."
The husband states that when he finally made it back to the ED to be with the patient, Nick was constantly checking on them, even though it was very busy in the ED. The husband states that the PA and Nick came in when it was time to be discharged, gave the diagnosis, explained all the discharge papers, answered any questions that they had, and recommended the plan of care at home. The patient and husband say
"Thank you for all that you do! It was a good feeling to be properly taken care of and shown at the same time with kind and caring words, we could see the care in your eyes!"
This is exactly what the ART of Nursing is about; not only the tasks of the job, but the interaction and bond formed with another human being during their time of need.