I would like to nominate Will Parks and Rhonda Hines for their compassion and attention to detail. Will was the first nurse to encounter this patient during the triage process. The patient was a reported "drug user" upon arrival. Will used his keen sense to ask the appropriate questions in order to establish that this patient was actually a victim of human trafficking. He also knew that Rhonda who has a special interest in this population of women would be an additional resource. By seeking Rhonda out, the two nurses worked together to form a relationship between the patient. Together, Will and Rhonda removed established biases and provided compassionate care, opening the door to trust. The patient was able to share her situation openly. In turn, Rhonda and Will collaborated with social work and ED physicians making them aware of the situation so that the patient could be admitted and kept safe. The proper authorities were also contacted leading to a reported drug bust and the rescue of 13 girls. Once the patient was admitted, the compassion and care didn't stop there. On her own time, Rhonda came to visit the patient and provided her with personal items.
With such a busy emergency department and the constant flow of patients, it would have been very easy for Will to quickly run through the triage without asking those questions to really find out why the patient was here. I want to recognize both nurses for their outstanding, compassionate care. They went above and beyond. A true representation of being patient advocates and offering compassion in a time of need.