Emma Santiago-Garcia
March 2015
Emma
Garcia
,
BSN, RN
Women's Health Unit
Hahnemann University Hospital
Philadelphia
,
PA
United States

 

 

 

... Emma cared for a patient who was homeless and an alcoholic, who reported drinking a liter of vodka that day. When the patient arrived to the floor she was irritable, yelling at Emma, and demanding to leave against medical advice. Emma went to the patient's room and asked the patient to stay and to stop yelling. Emma communicated to the patient in a firm yet caring style.

Emma told the patient it was her job to not just provide medications and discharge her but to provide care to help improve her health and life. The patient's attitude completely transformed, simply from being told that someone cared about her and wanted her to stay at the hospital. The patient also agreed to go to a shelter and pursue the substance abuse treatment options presented to her.

Emma's compassion and empathy for her patients is undeniable. Emma does not give up and truly helps each patient feel like they can make a positive change in their lives to better their health and well-being. Emma exemplifies our nursing philosophy of "We Do, We Care, It's Who We Are!"