I was working the night shift when we had an assault victim present to the emergency department around 0200. The patient was in her late 20s and understandably was both emotionally and physically in distress. She had multiple lacerations to her face from being struck 10+ times with brass knuckles. After obtaining CT scans of her head and maxilla/facial bones that didn't demonstrate underlying fractures, it was time to suture the wounds closed.
This was circa 0315 in the morning, just as the patient's nurse, Whitney, was finishing sign out to the oncoming nurse as her shift had ended at 0300. When Whitney saw that I was preparing the laceration tray, she immediately offered to lend a hand. She came into the room, sat down next to the patient, and quietly held her hand throughout the entire procedure of closing 4 different facial lacerations. The patient was incredibly thankful to Whitney as she tearfully voiced that Whitney's presence was exactly what she needed during that time.
Whitney went above and beyond her call of duty, to stay beyond her shift to be there both emotionally and physically for a patient in need, and I believe that she is a true DAISY Nurse.
Thank you for another incredible month of training at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. It remains a favorite site of mine for numerous reasons, of which atop the list is the amazing team of healthcare providers that you have recruited to the ED.