There was a gentleman here with urinary issues and he was discharged with a foley catheter. It was evident to Tiffany that he was homeless and she was not comfortable sending this guy out in the cold night with no place to go. The gentleman told Tiffany that a friend was holding his phone and he was out in the parking lot; Tiffany went out looking for him. No one was found. It was Tiffany’s determination and total regard for this man’s wellbeing that started the next chain of events.

Tiffany told her concerns to Lorie Kirby, who was the charge nurse; Lorie suggested that we move this gentleman to another room so he could shower. His feet were black and Lori had to peel the socks from his feet; he had fecal matter on his clothing, so Lori went to get him some hospital clothes. Lorie then took his soiled clothes, bagged them up with his hat, and laundered them, not once, but twice. Between these two nurses, they respected this man’s dignity and truly did Jewish Hospitals ministry by caring totally and holistically for the patient.

These are the compassionate and caring people we want and need working in our emergency department.