Joy Hibbs
November 2019
Joy
Hibbs
,
RN
Outpatient Surgery
VA Central Iowa Healthcare System
Des Moines
,
IA
United States

 

 

 

Joy deserves kudos for a very challenging patient who received surgery on both feet. The patient had schizoaffective bipolar disease, PTSD and personality disorder. The veteran did not have teeth so it was extremely difficult to understand the speech. When getting the patient ready for surgery, the veteran was not compliant with performing the infection control protocol and belligerent about removing jewelry. Joy maintained her composure and spoke softly and in soothing tones to the patient and was able to get the veteran ready. After surgery, the patient returned and was doing well, however she was making requests for special meals and stating home care was needed because she could not care for herself. Joy was again very calm and was able to talk the patient into accepting that she was able to go home. The veteran's ride fell through and Joy made numerous calls to social workers, primary care, podiatry and volunteers to provide the veteran with a ride. She provided a pillow to keep her extremity elevated and supplied ice bags since the patient had no resources. Joy was not flustered by the erratic behavior of this veteran and stayed extremely professional throughout this experience. Even though this was a difficult situation, it just exemplifies Joy's demeanor and caring attitude toward our veterans. She truly believes in giving excellent care and service to this patient population.