One Saturday evening, Catherine's assignment included several intoxicated patients brought from the "Made In America Concert". Catherine's compassionate and competent interactions with one of these patient's led me to nominate her for the DAISY Award. Catherine was assigned to care for a 16-year-old female who had arrived at the ED disheveled, and who admitted to drinking large quantities of alcohol. The patient's mother was notified, and when she arrived, she was understandably very angry with her daughter.
Catherine suddenly developed a bonding relationship with this young girl who shared a very personal matter with her. The young patient was provided the appropriate care and education necessary. Throughout her assignment, Catherine advocated for her patient and assured her needs were addressed while maintaining privacy. She showed respect to the patient and her mother and was non-judgmental when interacting with the patient.
I was struck by how compassionate Catherine was with the patient while also teaching the patient about safety with education on alcohol abuse. In nominating Catherine using this patient and family interaction, I realize it is not a heartwarming story or a typical nomination, but it shows genuine advocacy and caring for someone. No matter what Catherine thought about what trouble the patient had gotten into that day, she did not ignore the problem or wait for someone else to say something, and hopefully, she made a difference for this patient.