stephanie ford, RN

We have a unique patient on 6W who has been with us for over a month. Due to her disabilities, it has been difficult to perform safe care on the patient as she often becomes aggressive because she is fearful and numerous staff members have been injured because we have been forced to restrain her at times with security so she doesn't bite or scratch during simple daily cares. Stephanie has made a unique connection with the patient which has been a huge breakthrough. She has been able to negotiate care with the patient using the patient's likes and sometimes even spends up to 45 minutes working with the patient to have her in the right mindset to safely transfer her back to bed. Watching Stephanie take this extra time to comfort the patient, build a relationship and even reward her with cookie monster kisses (a stuffed animal)… has brought some light to such a sad situation for a scared patient who has the cognitive age of a 25-month-old. I am deeply touched by the care and concern of this nurse and am humbled by her effort. She is so very deserving of this DAISY Award.