Tay Ridley
June 2021
Quantayjia
Ridley
,
RN
Neuroscience IU Gen
Vidant Medical Center
Greenville
,
NC
United States
Tay can be seen playing music from her phone, based off on what the family says that the patient likes or if the patient can communicate what they like to listen to.
Why is this Nurse so special: I have personally watched Tay take the time to connect and interact with patients after having a stroke or neurological disorder by using music as therapy. Tay can be seen playing music from her phone, based off on what the family says that the patient likes or if the patient can communicate what they like to listen to. She takes the time to find the music, spend time at the bedside singing to the patient, and helping them to participate in singing as well. I have seen the patient’s faces light up and the patients try to participate. You can see the pure enjoyment in their faces. One patient said, “Tay brings life to me and she understands the higher level that I can go.”
Another example is a patient who was on our unit for over 30 days with right-sided weakness and the inability to communicate. This patient was unresponsive to all therapies and team members, but Tay continued to take the time to talk to her as if the patient could respond. The patient began to show signs of improvement when Tay was around her. Tay completed her three shifts that week and before leaving for the end of her third shift, Tay approached the charge Nurse to advocate for this patient that no one gives up on her. Tay knew the patient was in there and just needed time to come around. As the patient slowly improved, Tay had connected with the patient and family, brought music to life for the patient, laughed and cried with the patient and family. Upon discharge, I watched this family cry and hug Tay. as they did not want to leave and not take her with them. The family told Tay that they appreciated her not giving up on that patient and they hoped that the Skilled Nursing Facility had someone like Tay that would see the patient’s sweet spirit and treat her like Tay had.
Tay lives and breathes Nursing. She is an example of what a DAISY Nurse strives to be and would be an excellent example for others to follow.