While much is often said about the contributions of individual nurses, the way to truly impact a patient’s life in the most positive ways possible often comes in the form of teams of nurses working in concert to ensure the nursing staff functions as efficiently and safely as possible. In recognition of this approach, I nominate the exceptional nursing staff on 4 East C for the 2023 DAISY Award. Their outstanding commitment to establishing rapport with patients, responding to their needs with appropriate urgency, and fostering effective interdisciplinary communication has significantly improved patient outcomes, even in the most challenging cases.

At the heart of exceptional patient care lies the ability to establish genuine connections with those in our charge. The nursing staff of 4 East C excels in building relationships with patients, all while creating an environment of trust, understanding, and compassion that fosters recovery.

The 4 East C team recognizes that each patient is unique. In doing so, they approach each patient’s care with empathy and respect for that person’s individual needs. They listen to patients and attempt to understand their stories, fears, and hopes. This genuine interest in patients' experiences contributes to the establishment of a therapeutic alliance that is fundamental in mental health care.

The nursing staff on 4 East C embodies the principle of attending to patients' needs with a sense of urgency. They understand that mental health crises can be time-sensitive, and their swift response can make all the difference in patient outcomes. Recently, a patient with autism and schizophrenia was engaging in self-harming behavior by constantly poking his right eye. He claimed that God wanted him to engage in that behavior and that it was important for him to follow that guidance despite the realization that he was intentionally harming himself. The staff placed him on 1:1 supervision, ordered mittens for him to wear, and communicated early and regularly with the treatment team regarding medication. The staff also engaged with the patient regarding his delusions by suggesting that God would not want him to irreparably harm himself. It took several days before this patient was able to remain safe without the use of his mittens – all while needing help from the nursing staff for his activities of daily living. 

The treatment approach the 4 East C nursing staff provided for this patient is indicative of the care they provide to all of their patients – often among the most challenging in Resnick NPH. Whether it's providing emotional support during moments of crisis, or ensuring a safe and therapeutic environment, the 4 East C nursing staff consistently goes the extra mile. They remain calm under pressure and regularly demonstrate a level of commitment that is inspiring. An example of this commitment – both to their patients and to their colleagues – was recently displayed during the care of a particularly violent patient. This patient came to Resnick NPH with a history of violence that was discussed at length with the 4 East C nursing staff in order to properly prepare them for the patient’s arrival and potential behavior once hospitalized. They readily accepted the challenge and developed a behavioral plan for the patient. Ultimately, the patient had to be hospitalized for several months. During this time, the patient was quite violent a number of times – ultimately causing property damage and assaulting staff members. Despite this patient’s high propensity for violence, the 4 East C nursing staff maintained an extremely high standard of care for him – all while continuing to monitor and remain attentive to their colleagues’ health and wellbeing. They showed up for work, assisted and supported each other, and generally displayed all of the hallmarks of a high-functioning team of medical professionals who set personal concerns for themselves apart from the care they provided to this patient. This is psychiatric nursing care at its finest!

This nursing staff is not only deserving of this recognition but also stands as exemplary role models for everyone working in the field of psychiatric healthcare. They transform lives and offer hope, understanding, and compassion to those facing mental health challenges.