Monica provided excellent care for a patient presenting in the ED with injuries following an assault. The patient was paranoid, apprehensive, scared and had difficulty trusting the staff due to her condition. Monica stayed overnight to make sure that the appropriate law enforcement obtained the assault kit, and to make sure that the patient had a ride back home (which was 30 minutes away).
The patient was paranoid of the police and would not let them make arrangements for her ride home. Monica called a taxi service, and they stated they had a vehicle out of service and to call back at shift change, which was not for a couple of hours. Monica was willing to use her own money to try and find this patient a ride home. The patient had been dispositioned home, however still did not have anyone to come get her. The patient even made her way outside from the ED waiting room and was wandering around in the hospital parking lot. Monica had the ambassadors, security, and the police looking for this patient for her safety.
Monica then made several calls to family, friends, and other transport companies to assist this patient in any way she could with no avail. After talking with Social Services, the taxi service provided her a ride home. I want to commend Monica on her continued compassion, support and willingness to do everything that she could to provide this patient with the care and safety she needed during this time. This is an example of a true leader in our department and I am very proud to have her as an advocate for our patients, families, and staff.