Jeanne Smith
March 2014
Jeanne
Smith
,
RN
Center for Psychiatry
Winter Haven Hospital
Winter Haven
,
FL
United States

 

 

 

Ms. H, RN, arrived on our unit to start organizing tasks prior to the start of shift report. Ms. H unexpectedly collapsed into a chair at the nursing station and Jeanne Smith, RN noted that Ms. H did not look well. Jeanne asked several questions of Ms. H and then quickly took vital signs on Ms. H. Ms. H was visibly trembling and ashen in color and all the while Jeanne was quietly talking to Ms. H and attempting to reassure her and decrease her sense of anxiety.

Denise, the Nursing Administrator, happened to be on our unit at the time and was advised that the previous medical history and current vital signs and presentation of this employee required immediate intervention in the ER. Denise telephoned the ER that "one of our own" was being transported to the ER. Jeanne settled Ms. H into a wheelchair and together Jeanne and Denise ran this nurse to the ER. Jeanne stayed with Ms. H while she was initially evaluated in the ER.

Jeanne demonstrated professional care and sensitivity to the needs of "one of our own" nurses and I nominate her for the DAISY Award.