Provision 2 of the ANA code of ethics states, “the nurse’s primary commitment is to the patient, whether an individual, family, group, community, or population.” Though we all should strive to provide this commitment to our patients, some nurses go above and beyond.

On Friday, I saw this nominee going above and beyond to help the patient and his family. While driving around the building to find parking, I saw this nominee standing outside with the patient in bed and his many IV bags and drips attached to the pole. Anyone who has transported a patient would know doing so is no easy task and can be quite time-consuming. Even so, I was in awe that this TICU nurse took the time to do so.

After further inquiry, I learned how meaningful that time outside would be for that patient. After being in the hospital for over a month, the patient expressed a desire to see his kids. Unfortunately, due to the age of his children, they could not come inside the TICU to visit. Understanding how important family is in helping a patient heal physically, mentally, and emotionally, the nurse arranged for a visit outside to allow the patient to see his children.

To me, this demonstrated a value to the patient not only as a patient but as a human being. This human being had a life before getting into a traumatic accident and being hospitalized. Any nurse who can see a patient as so and go above and beyond to meet a patient’s needs is truly a DAISY Nurse to me.