I could not be prouder or more honored to submit the PES Day-shift team for a DAISY Team Award!  I have worked alongside this group of men and women for many years and have witnessed the extraordinary work they do on a daily basis. The work in PES is often unrecognized or underappreciated by the organization due to the unique nature of the role.  What is often missed is the above-and-beyond teamwork each and every nurse and BHS of this day-shift team contributes to on a regular basis to operate autonomously, ensuring proper care and safety of those served.  

In PES, nurses and BHSs not only provide direct patient care to those experiencing acute psychiatric crises, but they are also responsible for so much more.  The population has become more complex, and PES staff are often called upon to manage behaviors of the most violent and aggressive patients, those with cognitive and intellectual disabilities, those with neurological conditions such as dementia, and patients who present to the ED with multiple psychosocial needs.  PES nurses and BHSs manage their own supplies and bed turnovers, escort their own patients, communicate with families, research and solve complicated placement cases, advocate for patients, educate colleagues and families on DE laws related to persons with mental illness, provide remote coverage for MED and the PEDs Center,  operate a 24-7 DE Crisis Helpline, provide trauma support and BHRRT coverage, and most recently, provided coverage in CED Core D2.   

PES nurses and BHSs have developed an internal Safety Committee to help identify opportunities for improved safety within their practice areas and establish new protocols to mitigate patient and staff harm, all within a reduced staffing model.  I can speak from experience when I say working in small, locked psychiatric crisis units is challenging and can be rather isolating; nevertheless, until recently, the nurses in PES had a consistently high retention rate.  This speaks volumes to the dedication and tenacity of the PES Day-shift team. They are all remarkable.