During the final week of the patient's care at Emory Decatur Hospital, her primary nurse, Keondra Walters, demonstrated extraordinary compassion, diligence, and unwavering advocacy that profoundly impacted the patient's safety and discharge outcome. As discharge planning progressed, Keondra began to suspect that the patient's discharge plan was questionable and that the information being provided by the patient's Power of Attorney was inconsistent and potentially misleading. The POA reported that the patient lived in a nursing home and had no home to return to. However, Keondra remained attentive to the patient's repeated, consistent statements that she owned her home and strongly desired to return there upon discharge. Keondra persistently advocated for her patient, raising concerns with the attending physician and social worker. She reiterated that the patient's account did not align with what the POA presented.

During the week of discharge, Keondra brought forward a critical detail: the patient had recently made a payment to her mortgage company. This discovery raised significant concern, as it did not align with reports that the home was in foreclosure or had already been foreclosed. This observation prompted further investigation into the patient's living situation and financial vulnerability. As the case manager, I followed up with the POA again, requested documentation, and conducted additional research. Due to ongoing concerns of possible exploitation and misrepresentation, I proceeded with a report to Adult Protective Services. Despite these challenges, Keondra continued her relentless advocacy. Through consistent therapeutic communication each shift, she learned the patient had a trusted friend who could provide support.

Keondra took the initiative to contact this individual, and ultimately, the patient was able to discharge safely with her friend rather than face the possibility of homelessness, as no nursing home placement had been confirmed. Given ongoing concerns about the patient's home and potential inappropriate use of the patient's assets, we also notified law enforcement to ensure the situation is properly addressed. Because of Keondra's persistence, clinical instincts, and deep commitment to patient-centered care, this patient was discharged to her preferred support system with appropriate resources and safeguards in place.

Why Keondra deserves the DAISY award: Keondra Walters exemplifies what it means to be an extraordinary nurse. She was persistent, diligent, and compassionate in advocating for a vulnerable patient when the discharge plan did not feel right. Her attention to detail, courage to speak up, and determination to ensure a safe outcome made all the difference. Had Keondra not pursued these concerns, this patient may have been discharged without a safe plan or appropriate housing. Her instincts were correct from the beginning, and her unwavering commitment to doing what was right ensured this patient's dignity, safety, and well-being. Keondra's extraordinary nursing advocacy is truly DAISY worthy.