Xiomara Coffman was awarded for the professional, competent manner in which she handled a non-compliant patient. Her focus included health promotion and education, patient-centered care, and advocacy.

Upon entering the patient's room, Xiomara found him to be visibly upset and argumentative. She politely listened while he explained that he felt his care had been delayed and nothing was being done about the current infection in his foot. He had been in two days without treatment and was planning to sign out in frustration. Rather than leave him with this problem, Xiomara brought it to me with her ideas for handling the situation to his best interests. She thought it would be best to discuss his concerns and goals and offer him education on infection, current condition, and risks regarding signing out prior to speaking with the primary care provider.

Xiomara encouraged him to wait and speak to the primary care provider and reported his problem to the primary nurse. The patient did stay to speak with the provider. Xiomara became part of the discussion. Even though the patient decided against surgery at this time, Xiomara's care and concern prevented him from leaving prior to making an educated decision regarding his care.