Tyriel Fleming, RN

Every day, Tyriel relies on a wake-up call from her fellow co-worker,  a beloved night LPN in the emergency department. The co-worker, affectionately known as “Momma T”, is an older nurse whose caring nature is felt by everyone on our unit. She always prioritizes the well-being of her colleagues before tending to her own needs. With a huge heart and a loving family, Momma T brightens our unit and keeps everyone in line, embodying the spirit of family within the ER.

Tyriel is no stranger to the Ochsner system; she previously worked as a tech in the emergency department at St. Charles Parish Hospital while attending nursing school. After graduating in 2024, she began her nursing career at Ochsner Kenner’s emergency department.

However, one day Tyriel did not receive her usual wake-up call from Momma T, which concerned her. This daily call had become not just a routine but a comforting part of her preparation for work. Worried about her absence, Tyriel made several attempts to reach her by phone but was met with no response. Living about an hour away from Ochsner Kenner, Tyriel continued calling every chance she could while en route to work.

Remembering that Momma T had asked her to contact her sister from her phone on a previous occasion, Tyriel tried that number as well but still received no answer. In her concern, she called the emergency department supervisors to inquire about Momma T, but they had no information.

Determined to ensure she was okay, Tyriel decided to find her home address and went directly to her house. After locating her address via Google, she arrived and knocked on the door but received no reply. Her husband, who was home sleeping, eventually woke up and let Tyriel in. Unbeknownst to him, they found Momma T unresponsive on the bedroom floor.

Tyriel quickly shifted into her emergency nurse mode, calling EMS and checking her blood sugar while performing necessary assessments. She provided EMS with her history and accompanied them to Ochsner Main campus, staying with the family until she was settled in the ICU.

I am nominating Tyriel for the DAISY Award because she trusted her instincts and bravely took action to save her coworker's life, all while remaining calm and supporting the family.

Tyriel is a strong, independent nurse who has faced self-doubt in the past but has grown significantly in her role. She has become not only an excellent nurse but also a mentor and team player for newer staff. Her approachable and compassionate nature ensures that patient care is always her top priority, and her communication skills have earned her recognition from teammates, leaders, and patients alike.

I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason, and Tyriel’s swift actions saved our colleague's life that day- an act that will never be forgotten. Tyriel truly deserves the recognition of being a DAISY award recipient, as well as acknowledged for her role in saving the life of a coworker who is a foundational part of our unit.

We greatly appreciate Tyriel and the life she saved.