Rush nurses are a unique breed and tend to take care of each other. Sometimes this occurs even after a Rush nurse has left the institution. A former rush nurse found out how true this was. The love and support she experienced could not have come at a better time in her life. She used to work on 14E. In 2014, she moved to Little Rock, Arkansas for her husband's job. She continued to miss her Rush family but kept in touch with staff, one nurse being Derrick Grondin. In August 2016, the former Rush nurse delivered a baby girl with Down syndrome, pulmonary hypertension and three holes in her heart which required open heart surgery. There were times the doctors did not think the baby would live and the family was devastated. Derrick found out what was happening and arranged for a collection on 14E and had staff sign a card with well wishes. 14E was able to send a $500 Target gift card to the family as well as a baby doll. The new mom was overwhelmed with gratitude and said the gift card was used to buy the high-calorie formula which her daughter needed. But Derrick did not stop there. He approached the SICU Nurses Helping Nurses Foundation and asked if the group might be able to send some money to a former Rush nurse who was experiencing this life altering situation. Nurses Helping Nurses agreed to send money which surprised and amazed the new mom. She and her family were now able to pay some medical bills. The new mom was so appreciative of what Derrick did for their family that she sent a letter to Dr. Goodman. Here is a quote from the letter regarding Derrick:
"There is a nurse by the name of Derrick Grondin who worked with me in the BMT, but he now works in SICU. I need you guys to know that he's an amazing person. He's probably the best nurse that I've ever met in my life. He's wonderful with patients. He's smart. He knows how to react in emergencies. He's amazing! But what's even more amazing is his heart and how much he cares for people. He's the one that organized both of these things…"
For his kindness, compassion, and concern for others, Derrick is deserving of the DAISY Award.