Lena Burns
January 2015
Lena
Burns
,
BSN, RN-BC
Float Pool
Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital
Downers Grove
,
IL
United States

 

 

 

Lena cares for her patients in very special ways. She never fails to assess her patients holistically and care for their spirits as well as their bodies. An example of her compassionate care occurred recently. Lena provided care for a patient who had been in the hospital for a prolonged period. Even though the patient had been cleared for discharge, complex circumstances created a need for a nursing home placement that could not be immediately arranged. As the patient contemplated his circumstances, he began withdrawing from the staff. Lena recognized her patient's needs and encouraged him to eat his meals in an open area, away from his room. As staffing and other patient needs allowed, Lena would eat a quick snack with the patient. Collaborating with various departments and doctors, Lena also arranged for the patient to visit the hospital chapel. The patient, who had not previously cared for his appearance, emerged from the bathroom with his hair neatly combed and his face washed. But the patient was also wearing something more important; a smile. I nominate Lena for the DAISY Award for her dedication to providing compassionate, respectful, and excellent patient care.