Mr. Goodman went above and beyond his role as a staff nurse to ensure a spinal cord injury patient would be able to participate in the Golden Age Games in Biloxi, Mississippi. The patient wanted to go to the Golden Age Games but was unable to attend unless he had a caregiver who would be able to provide care 24 hours a day. The patient did not have any family or caregiver who would be able to attend the games with him and was upset that he would not be able to attend. He had been to several Golden Age Games in the past and had not only won several medals, but he was able to socialize with people with like injuries. Mr. Goodman volunteered to act as the patient caregiver and go to the Golden Age Games with him. Mr. Goodman provided 24 hour a day personal care for patient, including but not limited to, setting up a mobile chart for maintaining proper patient care and to ensure patient safety, escorting the patient from VA to the airport, transferring the patient from electric wheelchair to Isle chair and to Air Craft seat at multiple stops. He provided the patient with all medication during the trip, he assisted with all meals and snacks, set-up and clean up, 3-4 times a day. Mr. Goodman transferred the patient to and from bed each day, turned and positioned the patient multiple times a night while in bed and provided AM, PM, and PRN personal care. He ensured the patient was on time for events and award ceremonies and provided coverage and care on a day trip to New Orleans to see the WWII museum.
The patient received the same care he would have received had he still been in the nursing home and he was able to win 3 or 4 gold medals which he was extremely proud of and showed to staff upon his return to the facility. The patient would have been unable to attend the Golden Age Games had it to been for the selfless act of kindness from Mr. Goodman. He provided the help to the patient without expecting compensation or recognition which makes him a true DAISY Nurse.