A 4-year-old boy came in for an arm fracture to be repaired. Preoperatively the RN noted the child to have skin shears and blisters, raw and opened scabs, and facial abrasions; the child frail and very small for his age. Carla, the preoperative RN caring for the child, spoke with the mother who denied noticing abnormalities. The RN notified the surgeon of her findings and contacted a children's social worker for guidance.
The surgical process was to be continued and the child was transferred to the OR for surgery. Upon procedural completion and removal of surgical tapes and drapes, the child's skin blistered everywhere adhesive touched the epidermis. The surgeon assessed the child's new wounds, the child recovered and was lastly transported to recovery for discharge. It was at this time when the preoperative RN visualized the child again. Carla was concerned for the child; she and the anesthesia provider discussed healing of the previous wounds, the rationale for new wounds, and decreased strength of bones.
Upon the mother visualizing her child, she immediately lost control of her emotions. The mother left the room comforted by additional staff and the child remained with the adult in the room. It was at this time when Carla intently spoke with the adult who was accompanying this child and mother. Carla learned the adult is a sister of the mother who assists the mother when possible. The sister informed Carla of the mother being disabled and not of adult mentality. The mother is unable to drive, on a very limited income, and only receiving $53.00 per month in EBT assistance. The child did not have an insurance provision. After learning more of the family's situation, Carla took it upon herself to look further into the absence of insurance and learned the child's Medicaid had lapsed.
Carla provided the mother and aunt with forms necessary to reinstate the child's Medicaid. Carla pursued additional medical attention for the child. A same day appointment scheduled with dermatology and a pediatrician appointment for the child's small stature and possible malnutrition the following week. Carla ensured the mother and child had advance transportation for the appointments. Her rapport with the family was undeniable, she provided both adults with her personal phone number and offered herself for any assistance she could provide.
Carla spoke with the departmental nurse manager about Short Stay adopting the family for Christmas to provide nutritious meals, collect donations to assist with meeting basic needs, and purchasing gifts to expend even more magic during the holiday season. Carla purchased groceries and carried them to the family's home on her off day. While at the home, she gathered Christmas lists to prepare for December. Her provision of patient-centered care is extraordinary, her concern is genuine, her heart is tender, and her acts of kindness are sincere. The above scenario is inspiring, demonstrates the true compassion, and justifies the nomination and bestowing of a DAISY Award.