November 2020
Erik
Hernandez
,
RN, MICN
Emergency Department
LAC+USC Medical Center
Los Angeles
,
CA
We have a diverse patient population that requires patience when managing their needs; Erik understands that and takes the necessary time to make sure those needs are met.
On a patient that was brought into the hospital and was dying without family in the country: We were able to get a hold of family but were unable to explain the situation due to the language barrier. Erik was asked to step in. He showed professionalism, compassion, and most of all kindness to these heartbroken daughters. He explained the situation calmly and patiently, the daughters soon understood the end was near for their dear mother and needed to make the trip here to say goodbye. Erik explained to the daughters that she may not make it through the night, he placed the VOIP on speaker so they could say their last goodbyes. After the call ended, Erik held the mother's hand and prayed for her to stay alive until her daughters made it to her bedside. The mother hung on until the daughters were at her side and shortly passed thereafter.
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When Erik started in 2017, he always had this apprehensive look on his face, but as time went by, that look disappeared and was replaced with confidence. Erik takes pride in delivering care to our patients, his interactions with the patients and their families demonstrates what nursing is all about. We have a diverse patient population that requires patience when managing their needs; Erik understands that and takes the necessary time to make sure those needs are met.
Erik has a special connection to our Spanish-speaking population, to be able to communicate to the patients in their primary language not only eases their anxiety and fear of being in the ER this gives him great joy and comfort that he is able to advocate for them. It wasn't a surprise to me when we found out Erik was going to be a DAISY Award Recipient for showing compassion and kindness to a family whose mother was dying in one of the resuscitation rooms. In a busy ED and during a pandemic, Erik did not hesitate to spend time and pray with the patient, in addition to staying in direct communication with the family until they arrived at the hospital to be by her side.
Before Erik became a nurse, he was a schoolteacher. He also volunteered in the ER and his experience here at LAC+USC Medical Center ED validated his decision to become a nurse. I asked Erik, why he decided to become a nurse and work here. Erik said, he likes the feeling of accomplishment that he did something good for someone, and "you can't put a price on that." He also said he is proud to work here and proud to say he's a "county nurse". That night when Erik provided care for the patient who was dying and communicated with the family, he put himself in their shoes. His courageous commitment, integrity, and human dignity demonstrated an extraordinary act of compassion and nursing excellence. I'm proud Erik is a county that represents the ED and will stand amongst other DAISY Honorees.
Congratulations, Erik!
***
When Erik started in 2017, he always had this apprehensive look on his face, but as time went by, that look disappeared and was replaced with confidence. Erik takes pride in delivering care to our patients, his interactions with the patients and their families demonstrates what nursing is all about. We have a diverse patient population that requires patience when managing their needs; Erik understands that and takes the necessary time to make sure those needs are met.
Erik has a special connection to our Spanish-speaking population, to be able to communicate to the patients in their primary language not only eases their anxiety and fear of being in the ER this gives him great joy and comfort that he is able to advocate for them. It wasn't a surprise to me when we found out Erik was going to be a DAISY Award Recipient for showing compassion and kindness to a family whose mother was dying in one of the resuscitation rooms. In a busy ED and during a pandemic, Erik did not hesitate to spend time and pray with the patient, in addition to staying in direct communication with the family until they arrived at the hospital to be by her side.
Before Erik became a nurse, he was a schoolteacher. He also volunteered in the ER and his experience here at LAC+USC Medical Center ED validated his decision to become a nurse. I asked Erik, why he decided to become a nurse and work here. Erik said, he likes the feeling of accomplishment that he did something good for someone, and "you can't put a price on that." He also said he is proud to work here and proud to say he's a "county nurse". That night when Erik provided care for the patient who was dying and communicated with the family, he put himself in their shoes. His courageous commitment, integrity, and human dignity demonstrated an extraordinary act of compassion and nursing excellence. I'm proud Erik is a county that represents the ED and will stand amongst other DAISY Honorees.
Congratulations, Erik!