...Donnalee had arrived early to help a co-worker and she took report on a patient who was all set to be transferred. All Donnalee "had" to do was monitor the patient until transport arrived. Now this patient was pretty sick and was having respiratory difficulty and altered mental status. Her husband was at her bedside and as Donnalee began her assessment, she also started conversing with the husband. She realized that her patient's husband appeared to have dementia and turned out to be pretty confused. When transport arrived just a short time after Donnalee took over, she began to question what was going to happen to her patient's husband. Donnalee had discovered that her patient was his only caregiver, he had been there with her throughout the day, and had planned to just ride up with her in the ambulance and fend for himself. This bothered Donnalee and prompted her to call the house supervisor to see what could be done.

Donnalee took care of this gentleman, gave him something to eat and drink and tried to figure out if there was anyone else, family, friend, etc. who could help him. Not only did Donnalee take excellent care of her patient, she went above and beyond as an advocate for this man, which demonstrates her commitment to excellence and to our goal of family centered care. Remember, this man was not her patient, however, Donnalee knew that if he left here, the chances that he would get lost in the shuffle were great. This man did not look confused, he was very well put together, he would have a conversation, but once the conversation was underway, there was no getting around the fact that he would not be safe on his own.

Donnalee clearly communicated her need for help and got it. Once she made others aware of the situation, we were able to socially admit this gentleman to keep him safe until social work could come the next day and assist him to get the care he needed. Donnalee's compassion did not end there. After the plan was made for this man to stay with us, Donnalee made sure that the hospital we sent her patient to was called and notice was given to her nurse that her patient's husband was safe and being looked after. Donnalee was still thinking about the holistic comfort needs of her patient, even after her patient had been gone for hours, and wanted to make sure that when she came to, she would not have to worry if her husband was ok or not.

This case could have turned out very differently had it not been for Donnalee's astute, compassionate, and dedicated intervention. She did not take the "easy road" by turning her head and letting this be someone else's issue to deal with up the road. She knew that by bringing this to the attention of others, it would take time and more work on her part, but that doesn't matter to Donnalee. Doing what is right and what is best for her patients and their families is what drives Donnalee.

Donnalee is a perfect example of what we should strive to be as nurses. She became a nurse to help people, and that is exactly what she did that day for both this gentleman, and his sick wife who could have her mind at ease knowing her husband was in good hands, and could concentrate on becoming well again.

Wonderful job Donnalee. We can all take a lesson from you on truly being a patient advocate. I am honored to work alongside you and commend your dedication to our mission.