Lauren Hudak
November 2022
Lauren
Hudak
,
BSN, RN
Inpatient Rehabilitation
Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital
Hollywood
,
FL
United States
During the next hour, Lauren effortlessly shared, listened, and educated so effortlessly as if it were a dance.
This DAISY story is proof that you can make a vast difference in the life of a patient and his family during a floating shift even when you are working outside of your job description. This nomination goes to Lauren Hudak, BSN, RN, Clinical Nurse Inpatient Rehabilitation:
She floated to the PICU as our PCA. I was caring for a teenage, known, type I diabetic, on his most recent admission for DKA over the past year and on his 4th day in the PICU. I listened to many providers attempt to educate the patient, in hopes of giving tough love and re-education to increase his health. The patient simply was not in the correct mindset to embrace this information, and the family felt more hopeless than ever seeing their loved one angry while so close to death.
While Lauren was stocking the supply cart in the room, she overheard the conversations that were occurring to develop the perfect treatment plan for this young man. Being an outspoken type I diabetic herself, she asked the mother if she thought the patient would benefit from hearing her story – someone also diagnosed as a pre-teen who experienced all of the challenges that come with chronic illness. What Lauren could give this young man (and was willing to give) was what he truly needed -- because she could empathize with all of his experiences.
During the next hour, Lauren effortlessly shared, listened, and educated so effortlessly as if it were a dance. The patient came to life during his time with Lauren and I made him promise me that his huge smile wasn’t solely because Lauren is so captivating. At the end of the hour, the mother hugged Lauren, full of tears and appreciation, for going out of her way to make a difference. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room during their embrace, and I felt blessed having witnessed it. Lauren offered the patient support groups to speak with those who have “walked the walk” that is type I diabetes. Lauren Hudak certainly made a difference in the life of this young man and his family. At the end of the day, the mom asked me how she could repay Lauren for sharing her story and for being an active listener for a young man in need. I promised her I would nominate Lauren for this DAISY Award on her behalf.
She floated to the PICU as our PCA. I was caring for a teenage, known, type I diabetic, on his most recent admission for DKA over the past year and on his 4th day in the PICU. I listened to many providers attempt to educate the patient, in hopes of giving tough love and re-education to increase his health. The patient simply was not in the correct mindset to embrace this information, and the family felt more hopeless than ever seeing their loved one angry while so close to death.
While Lauren was stocking the supply cart in the room, she overheard the conversations that were occurring to develop the perfect treatment plan for this young man. Being an outspoken type I diabetic herself, she asked the mother if she thought the patient would benefit from hearing her story – someone also diagnosed as a pre-teen who experienced all of the challenges that come with chronic illness. What Lauren could give this young man (and was willing to give) was what he truly needed -- because she could empathize with all of his experiences.
During the next hour, Lauren effortlessly shared, listened, and educated so effortlessly as if it were a dance. The patient came to life during his time with Lauren and I made him promise me that his huge smile wasn’t solely because Lauren is so captivating. At the end of the hour, the mother hugged Lauren, full of tears and appreciation, for going out of her way to make a difference. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room during their embrace, and I felt blessed having witnessed it. Lauren offered the patient support groups to speak with those who have “walked the walk” that is type I diabetes. Lauren Hudak certainly made a difference in the life of this young man and his family. At the end of the day, the mom asked me how she could repay Lauren for sharing her story and for being an active listener for a young man in need. I promised her I would nominate Lauren for this DAISY Award on her behalf.