We received a patient from the ER that came in with malnourishment and dehydration. The patient was a hoarder and was removed from her home due to neighbor's concern about her not caring for herself. The patient was very vocal about being upset that she was forced to stay in the hospital. Ashley was the charge nurse most of the days during the patient's visit. The patient often gave her assigned nurses a difficult time, so Ashley went above and beyond to establish a rapport with the patient. Ashley spent hours talking to the patient, getting to know her. The patient frequently refused to take her medication from her assigned nurse, so Ashley would administer them since the patient trusted her. The patient was dirty and her hair was matted. Ashley would help her shower whenever she worked.
The patient had recently lost 40 pounds and wouldn't eat the food we were serving her. Ashley found out that the patient loves pasta. Ashley would go to the cafeteria, with her own money and get the patient pasta for her lunch whenever she worked. The patient was here for a week and mentioned to Ashley that she would visit a doctor once a month. Ashley recognized that this doctor had affiliation with the CSB. Ashley called CSB, got consent signed to retrieve the information regarding her medications. Ashley got all of the patient's antipsychotic medications ordered. The patient stabilized, after a few days, on her antipsychotic meds and was able to be safely discharged. During the patient's stay Ashley also arranged for the patient's friends to bring her dog. The patient was so concerned about her dog and missed her dog so much. Ashley took her outside to spend some time with her dog.
The patient was very paranoid and didn't trust many people. We set up home health for the patient. We were all worried that the patient would not allow the home health nurse into her house. Ashley sacrificed her day off and went with the home health nurse to the patient's house to introduce them. The patient did not answer the door. Ashley returned to the hospital very concerned about the patient. Ashley knew that the C3 Pharmacist had an appointment to go see the patient also. Ashley went and found the C3 Pharmacist and once again went to the patient's house. The patient answered the door and Ashley spent an hour with her. Ashley is a true DAISY Nurse. She performs these acts of kindness on a daily basis. Ashley's compassion for the patients and the staff is truly admirable.