A patient was admitted to our unit for “Altered Mental Status”. We would very soon see that he did not have a “mental status” problem. He was very much alert and oriented but very aphasic. Anything that came out of this mouth was just babble; obviously, this made him frustrated easily. Using only “yes” and “no” questions we were finally able to communicate somewhat. Everyone on our floor got to know the patient, but several nurses stood out in his care Laura Wyrick was one of those nurses. The other two were Candy Bridges and Jennifer Goff.

No matter where their assignment was located, each of those girls would spend time with him. A couple employees even came in on their day off to accompany him to a new skilled nursing facility, to help them understand what his signals meant. Each of these nurses went above and beyond the call of duty in caring for the patient. They made him chocolate shakes, brought in cheesecake, and helped other staff to try and understand him. Each one of these ladies deserves a DAISY Award for their outstanding caring presence with the patient.

Submitted by: Kim Choate, RN, MSU


I just wanted to let you know what a great job the nursing staff, care manager, social worker and therapy department did on a very difficult patient on Street 5. They were all amazing and took the time to be compassionate and caring in everything they did for the patient. He left for an ALF in Sarasota with smiles and kisses. If you know of him that is truly unbelievable! He made more progress in our hospital in just three (3) weeks than he did in 100 days at Lifecare. The Caritas Processes were certainly evident in this case. You should be proud!

Submitted by: Liz Starling, Manager Care Management