According to Maya Angelou "people may forget what you said, people may forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel". Diane Hyman seems to have taken Ms. Angelou's philosophy and incorporated it into her nursing practice. She was as hired as a new graduate nurse in 2011; this was her second career path, since she transitioned from the former University Of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Nursing (UMDNJ). If there was any apprehension about hiring a new graduate nurse, it immediately diminished once Diane began to work on our neuroscience unit.
Ms. Hyman conveys warmth and genuine compassion for her practice by touching the lives of others. She is very detail oriented, and clinically speaking her nursing skills are second to none. Diane is consistently improving her clinical and critical thinking skills, by enrolling in professional courses and seminars to keep abreast of her practice.
Diane consistently displays compassion and caring for all patients. Whenever there is an emergency on the unit, such as an ERT or Code, she is always one of the first responders, whether the patient is assigned to her or not. If a patient's needs are not being addressed, she will quickly try to intervene and address the concerns. Diane is proactive in advocating for her patients in an efficient manner.
During the recent Joint Commission Stroke survey accreditation, Ms. Hyman was recognized for an exemplary care plan and teaching session conducted with a stroke patient who had a history of non-compliance issues with her medications. This patient was able to articulate her plan of care, list her medications, and discuss stroke prevention methods to the surveyors; due to the excellent patient education interventions she was given.
Needless to say, her professionalism also extends from the patient's bedside; Diane's interpersonal rapport with her coworkers is commendable. She is always willing to assist others and her pleasant demeanor is consistently recognized. In 2013 Ms. Hyman was recognized for receiving the most UH employee Press Ganey commendations and she continues to receive service excellence recognition from patients.
The passion for caring is not only for her patients and coworkers; Diane is also actively involved in community outreach programs. She participates in the local soup kitchens and University Hospital (UH) community stroke screening events. Ms. Hyman is always searching for ways to enhance the lives of the less fortunate.
Last year, she asked if we could do something to "give back" to our local community. She took the initiative to research local organizations that assist the homeless and less fortunate. After speaking with our UH social worker, we decided to give back to the Goodwill Rescue Mission of Newark, New Jersey who often cares for our homeless population. Our initial goal was to raise $500.00 to feed 250 people. But, with Diane's commitment as co-chairman to this project we were able to raise $860.00 in a two week time period; resulting in 432 of our Newark homeless population being fed a Thanksgiving Day meal.
Christmas was approaching and Diane recently cared for a young lady, in the Neurology PCU. After they established a rapport, Diane discovered that her patient experienced a series of misfortunes, due to a terminal diagnosis. The patient lost her job and consequentially had limited means of providing for her children. Diane spoke with her coworkers and asked if they would be in agreement to contributing to this family for the holiday. Due to her efforts, the unit and interdisciplinary team members rallied together and purchased toys for the patient's two young boys. The gifts were wrapped and then presented to the children before the Christmas holiday. The mother responded, "I am truly in awe! Even though my time on earth is limited, it is truly amazing that so many people thought enough of me and my boys to turn a season where I had to accept my plight, to a season that is now so bright!"
Currently, Ms. Hyman is already preparing to touch the lives of those in the Newark community by initiating a "warmth drive project". UH staff will be asked to provide scarves, hats, gloves, and other items so a warming tree can be made in Lincoln Park in downtown Newark. This is a popular area where the homeless often congregate, Diane plans to hang items with little holiday greeting notes from a tree. They will have an opportunity to select from items pinned to a tree that will keep them warm during the winter months.
This is just a few examples of how Diane Hyman is living up to the G Blue motto: Making a difference in the lives of others. As a nurse manager, I cannot convey the extraordinary uniqueness that this nurse brings to our hospital organization.
Diane has touched so many lives in such a short time period, which is why I have no hesitation in nominating her for this prestigious DAISY Award. She demonstrates excellence as a true role model and personification of nurse extraordinaire!