I just wanted you to know about some of the amazing team members that work here. Tonight, I was blessed to be a part of a group effort led by Dawn. She was caring for a patient that has been to our ER frequently over the past month. This patient was given a second chance thanks to this nurse. She took time to speak to the patient and get the background information on what was really going on.

This elderly patient was recently evicted from her home because her landlord doubled her rent, and she could not afford it. This placed her on the street with nothing. She came to the ER for relief from the streets and heat. Upon discharge, Dawn took it upon herself to attempt and help change something for this patient. She flagged me down in the lobby and asked for help. She sent a message to the team’s patient-safe phones hoping we could come together and help this patient. She figured as a team we could find resources for this patient. She wanted to help this patient in any way that she could.

As a team, we eventually found this patient a place to lay her head. A place that she can afford and that was safe. Dawn also gathered food and clothing for this patient before she left. I know this is not something that we are always able to do, and this is a rare situation, but she made it work for this patient. She gathered our team to help and make a difference in this patient’s life. Dawn also paid for the patient’s deposit out of her own pocket to ensure the patient had a safe place to rest. She continued to offer to bring the patient food and clothes on her days off. This instance was a reminder of why I became a nurse. I am continually surrounded by so many amazing team members who go above and beyond.