February 2020
Sophia
Pierce
,
RN
Emergency Department
Nationwide Children's Hospital
Las Vegas
,
NV
United States
Sophia was the nurse caring for a patient who had significant child protection issues. The patient was to be discharged to an outside facility and the patient was fearful of her safety. Sophia went above and beyond for this patient, escalating care to social work and PEEC when she was concerned that the patient was being discharged to an unsafe environment. The patient had left the department without their discharge papers and before Sophia could get others to the bedside. So she coordinated with the facilities staff in order to get the patient back to the emergency department. She made sure to speak to the patient directly on the phone asking important questions to understand the patient's concerns and fears. The patient ultimately came back to the ED and her relief and gratitude were evident. She then got admitted in order to have the time to plan for a safer discharge. Sophia significantly made a difference in the life of the patient and their family and demonstrated extraordinary care through the development of mutual trust, respect, and emotional support. Sophia collaborated and communicated effectively with interdisciplinary team members and strived to go above expectations in her role.