September 2022
Thomas B
Vinson
,
RN
ICU
Methodist South Hospital
Memphis
,
TN
United States
The granddaughter mentions Brett being by her side after him placing his hands on her shoulder to let her know that her grandmother was no longer with them and gave her a hug so that she felt cared for.
I want to nominate Thomas Brett Vinson for the DAISY Award for the compassionate and diligent care he provided when I worked beside him on the COVID unit at Methodist University. Brett is one of the most sincere and hard-working nurses I have had the pleasure of working side-by-side with. He puts his patient's needs and comfort as his top priority and embodies all of the characteristics of a DAISY Nurse.
The story that I wish to share about Brett is one that actually received national recognition in the newspaper USA Today. Brett is mentioned by name in this article as the primary nurse taking care of the writer's grandmother. I happened to be in charge of the COVID unit on this day and was able to witness the compassion and love that Brett showed the family and patient. Brett did this not for recognition (prior to the passing of the patient, Brett knew nothing about the family's career as a reporter) but because he genuinely cares for every family and patient he interacts with.
At the time of the patient's passing, visitation to the COVID unit was very limited: the option for one visitor to come for a short duration was reserved for those nearing the end of their life. Brett was able to recognize the early signs of the patient's passing and acted promptly to facilitate her loved one being by her side. Brett helped to dress the family member in full PPE, easing her nerves as she approached a unit that so many people feared stepping foot in. He assured the granddaughter was taken care of as she spent the last moments with her grandmother; but above all, he made sure that the patient was allowed a graceful and dignified passing. The granddaughter mentions Brett being by her side after him placing his hands on her shoulder to let her know that her grandmother was no longer with them and gave her a hug so that she felt cared for.
I recognize that sometimes in nursing, credit is not given to those who go above and beyond their normal duties. This story occurred over a year ago and I still think back to the exceptional care Brett provided that day. I also believe that care like this should be celebrated and rewarded. Brett consistently surpasses the expectations set for a relatively new bedside nurse. He practices with love and compassion.
Brett and I have both moved from Methodist University to Methodist South since the time of this article, yet the level of care Brett provides remains the same. Brett is an exceptional nurse that goes beyond the expectation with his nursing care. As his clinical director, at both Methodist University and South, Brett continues to be an outstanding nurse. As I round, there is a common theme that is consistently present when it comes to patients and family members that have the pleasure of having Brett as their nurse, he is patient and they feel as though they are his family.
One touching moment that was told to me by a family as they attempted to express their gratitude was, "Brett gave my mom a feeling of comfort and love". The time he spent just in her room not just doing his job but making sure she had someone there; taking the time to hold her hand. It's the little things that brought her through her event. Brett continues to be that nurse that as a leader, I want all of our patients to encounter. My wish is that he is recognized for what he gives and commended for that "special touch" that has helped so many.
The story that I wish to share about Brett is one that actually received national recognition in the newspaper USA Today. Brett is mentioned by name in this article as the primary nurse taking care of the writer's grandmother. I happened to be in charge of the COVID unit on this day and was able to witness the compassion and love that Brett showed the family and patient. Brett did this not for recognition (prior to the passing of the patient, Brett knew nothing about the family's career as a reporter) but because he genuinely cares for every family and patient he interacts with.
At the time of the patient's passing, visitation to the COVID unit was very limited: the option for one visitor to come for a short duration was reserved for those nearing the end of their life. Brett was able to recognize the early signs of the patient's passing and acted promptly to facilitate her loved one being by her side. Brett helped to dress the family member in full PPE, easing her nerves as she approached a unit that so many people feared stepping foot in. He assured the granddaughter was taken care of as she spent the last moments with her grandmother; but above all, he made sure that the patient was allowed a graceful and dignified passing. The granddaughter mentions Brett being by her side after him placing his hands on her shoulder to let her know that her grandmother was no longer with them and gave her a hug so that she felt cared for.
I recognize that sometimes in nursing, credit is not given to those who go above and beyond their normal duties. This story occurred over a year ago and I still think back to the exceptional care Brett provided that day. I also believe that care like this should be celebrated and rewarded. Brett consistently surpasses the expectations set for a relatively new bedside nurse. He practices with love and compassion.
Brett and I have both moved from Methodist University to Methodist South since the time of this article, yet the level of care Brett provides remains the same. Brett is an exceptional nurse that goes beyond the expectation with his nursing care. As his clinical director, at both Methodist University and South, Brett continues to be an outstanding nurse. As I round, there is a common theme that is consistently present when it comes to patients and family members that have the pleasure of having Brett as their nurse, he is patient and they feel as though they are his family.
One touching moment that was told to me by a family as they attempted to express their gratitude was, "Brett gave my mom a feeling of comfort and love". The time he spent just in her room not just doing his job but making sure she had someone there; taking the time to hold her hand. It's the little things that brought her through her event. Brett continues to be that nurse that as a leader, I want all of our patients to encounter. My wish is that he is recognized for what he gives and commended for that "special touch" that has helped so many.