... There are few departments as stressful as a busy emergency room. Within this busy, continually changing, challenging environment, David approaches every patient as if he or she was his only concern. He is open, honest and caring. He provides competent nursing care while taking the time to comfort frightened patients and their families, answer questions and steer them through their emergency room stays.

Sometimes people who come into the Emergency Department present with one complaint but actually have something much more problematic in their life that has led to their visit. A minor complaint can sometimes really be a cry for help. David does not shy away from difficult situations or people. He is thoughtful and compassionate. He also takes the time to get to know his patients. Since they know he truly cares about them, oftentimes they confide in him.

David was caring for a 17-year-old patient who presented to the Emergency Department with a sore throat. She was treated for this and was anxious to leave. David spoke at length to her and discovered that she had walked a long distance to the hospital and could not give him a lot of information about her family. David persuaded her to stay in the ED for further care.

He consulted with the physician and the hospital social worker. The patient was admitted to the hospital for further care. It was then discovered that she was a runaway and on the list of missing persons. She was reunited with her mother during her hospital stay.

David had a dramatic impact on the life of this young girl and her family, because he was not simply interested in treating her sore throat, which was her complaint. He was interested in assuring that she was cared for during and after her hospital stay. He listened carefully to her story. He collaborated with her doctor and social workers. He was instrumental in reuniting a family.

David is an extraordinary person and a wonderful nurse.