When an alarm sounded notifying staff that a patient had fallen, several staff nurses and physicians responded. Together, they placed the patient back on the bed, took blood samples and checked vitals. Through the hustle and bustle of the required tasks, one staff nurse took the time to comfort and connect with the scared patient. That staff nurse, Elizabeth Winger, is now a DAISY Award Honoree for remembering humanity is one the most important forms of healing.
"I always imagine how I would feel if I were in the patient's position," says Elizabeth. "Her family wasn't with her and she was scared, so I gave her what I thought she needed most: comfort." While her co-workers contacted the patient's family, Elizabeth held the patient's hand and kept eye contact with her the entire time.
Elizabeth was not this patient's primary nurse that day, but proved that no matter how many nursing tasks you have, patient care always comes first. "The biggest thing I tell myself is to take the time to not just be a nurse, but also a compassionate person," says Elizabeth. "Care for your patient — not just your tasks."
Upon receiving the award, Elizabeth says she felt shocked, but grateful, that her compassion had not gone unnoticed. Elizabeth says the experience she's had over time is the most valuable experience a nurse could have. "I've learned more working at Mayo Clinic than I did in nursing school," says Elizabeth. "Being with patients has allowed me to grow as a nurse and as a person."