My mom was hospitalized for 25 days with AML (neutropenic fever). Denise cared for my mom on several occasions. She always explainedeverythingregarding new medications and treatments to her and the family (me and my dad). I always felt my mom was in good hands when Denise was taking care of her. I'veseeher teaching another RN on how to clean and change PICC dressings. Ialwaysfelt verycomfortableand knew my mom was safe when she was cared for by Denise. There were at least 2occasionsin which I witnessed Denise demonstrating criteria for the DAISY Award.
On day 10 of my mom's hospitalization, I asked Denise when my mom was getting her PICC flushed with Heparin. Denise checked the MAR and said it was not ordered. I wondered why the night nurses were having problems with her PICC when drawing labs. Plus, my mom had to get cath-flow twice. Now, previously, I had been told by another nurse that she was getting flushed at night, so I did not press the issue. Denise got the Heparin order, so my mom's PICC would get flushed once a day, and it worked likea charm ever since.
The doctors started a new drug, prednisone, for my mom. Denise explained that the drug would help break up the gunk in her lungs. When mom started coughing, she became short of breath. Denise called RN for a treatment and stayed with my mom until she recovered. Denise also discussed with the Rapid Response Team to collaborate about the side effects of the drug and explained everything to the family.