Avarie Childs, RN, has demonstrated kindness and compassion toward an elderly patient who was facing the reality of not being able to live independently and not being able to return to her home. The patient had been hospitalized a few times over the past three years and Avarie had been her primary care nurse several times leading to the two of them developing a special bond.

This patient experienced a fall at home and had to be admitted to the hospital. During her stay, the patient talked to Avarie about worries and facing the reality of not being able to live independently any longer. She knew she would not be able to return home this time and talked to Avarie about not wanting to burden her children, even commenting about the health issues of other family members. The patient feared she would be lonely.

After discharge, Avarie visited this patient weekly and has taken her 18-month-old son along to bring even more joy to her. The patient loved their visits and talked about some of her favorite foods, so Avarie delivered donut holes from the local Bakery and Kentucky Fried Chicken. When asked about this, Avarie just said she did not want this person to have a tough time or feel lonely, and it did not take much of her time for these visits.

Avarie demonstrates the art of nursing with her attention to emotional well-being for her patients and compassion for easing this transition to a new reality for this person. Avarie is always considering others’ feelings and gives of her heart and time. She exemplifies the caring spirit of a DAISY Award Honoree.