This nurse is a very kind, caring, and compassionate nurse. She is very knowledgeable in her field and was able to answer all my questions about care after my open-heart surgery. She took the time to listen to any health issues I was experiencing and explain why they may be occurring and how to help alleviate them.

Although this nurse has been with our team for a short period of time, her work has provided an incredibly significant patient impact. She is known to handle difficult cases with ease and never shies away from a challenge. She is tough and firm, but also amazingly compassionate and empathetic at the same time. This patient's story is an account of the latter.

Earlier this year, the VNA of Englewood received a referral from a physician at New York Presbyterian-Columbia. This, though, was no ordinary referral- it was for his elderly wife, who had developed wounds requiring skilled intervention and care. At the beginning of the patient’s episode of care, it was a straightforward wound case, but as time progressed, it was quite obvious to this very astute nurse that the patient was showing signs of decline. As this nurse would care for this patient, per the patient’s physician husband, they would have “meaningful conversations that transcended routine nursing care.” The patient and this nurse bonded immediately, and even shared the same first name. As time went on, it became evident that this patient would soon need end of life care. Although social work consultation and hospice informational sessions were declined by the patient and husband at the time, this nurse recognized that this patient’s time here on earth was limited. She spent much time in her visits sitting and talking to the patient about past experiences and memories, allowing the patient the opportunity to reminisce about a life well-lived. The visit prior to the day of the patient’s death at home, this nurse sat with the patient, held her hand, and spoke with her, allowing a flow of emotion. There were laughs and tears shed by both, and per the patient’s husband, this nurse “was an angel here on earth when my wife needed one and I am forever grateful to her and all of the care, time, and attention shown to my wife”. This patient passed away the next morning after that extensive, emotional, and meaningful visit the day prior. I like to think that this nurse was put in the right place and at the right time in order to give this patient some good laughs and time to recollect immediately prior to her death. The patient’s husband is “forever grateful” to this nurse, and as her manager, I could not be prouder.  

It is my honor to present this DAISY to Jeanne Frobose.