During the report in the PACU, a brief history was shared about the patient’s son, and it quickly became clear how central he was to her well-being. After reviewing the case management note and speaking with the patient once she woke up, she expressed deep concern for her son, who has autism and was home alone with no nearby family or friends.

Wanting to ease her anxiety, Nurse Emily Hoffman asked if she would like to call and check on him. She explained that her phone was with security and that her son would only answer her number. Nurse Emily retrieved her belongings from security so she could make the call. When she reached him, it was evident that he was very worried and hungry, which only heightened her distress.

Determined to find a solution, Nurse Emily contacted security and spoke with them, explained the situation, and asked whether the Fairhope Police Department might be able to bring her son to the hospital to be with his mother. Security provided the non-emergency number, which Nurse Emily promptly called.

After speaking with dispatch and later with an officer, Nurse Emily learned that due to the son’s disability, law enforcement was unable to transport him; only Medstar could provide medical transport. Although that option was not feasible in this situation, everyone involved was attentive, compassionate, and focused on finding a safe alternative.

Nurse Emily then escalated the situation to the house supervisors and shared the full context. When Nurse Emily offered to personally go and pick him up, they instead arranged a taxi. Nurse Emily was given a voucher to ensure everything was handled appropriately.

A colleague kindly accompanied her, and together they went to the son’s home, brought him back via taxi, and reunited him with his mother at the hospital. Seeing the relief and comfort this brought to both of them was incredibly rewarding and a true reflection of teamwork, compassion, and patient-and family-centered care in action.