Ron Harris
May 2025
Ron
Harris
,
RN
Emergency Dept
MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital
Tacoma
,
WA
United States
Ron consistently treats every patient, regardless of their behavior or circumstances, with the utmost respect. In an environment that often demands quick thinking and emotional resilience, his compassion and unwavering dedication to patient dignity stand out.
During a recent shift in the Emergency Department, we encountered a particularly challenging situation involving a patient who was ultimately declared a Code Gray.
The patient was highly agitated, verbally escalated, and unresponsive to de-escalation efforts from multiple team members, including security personnel. Despite the heightened tension and the presence of several staff attempting to assist, no one was able to calm the patient—until Ron stepped in.
Although this was not Ron’s assigned patient, he immediately offered support with professionalism and poise. From the moment he engaged, Ron demonstrated exceptional therapeutic communication. He spoke to the patient with calmness, dignity, and respect, listening attentively to her concerns without judgment. His presence alone de-escalated the situation significantly, as he remained grounded, empathetic, and assertive in his communication.
When Ron briefly stepped away, the patient’s agitation quickly escalated, and security had to intervene using a shield and appropriate restraint protocol to maintain safety. Ron promptly returned to the bedside and continued to advocate for the patient’s comfort and autonomy, even during this high-stress moment. He ensured the patient’s privacy and dignity were maintained, adjusting blankets to keep her covered, checking that restraints were not too tight by ensuring appropriate finger spacing, and offering continuous verbal reassurance.
Ron consistently treats every patient, regardless of their behavior or circumstances, with the utmost respect. In an environment that often demands quick thinking and emotional resilience, his compassion and unwavering dedication to patient dignity stand out.
He not only de-escalated a volatile situation but also reminded all of us what it truly means to care.
The Emergency Department often does not receive the recognition it deserves for the patience, emotional intelligence, and compassion required in high-acuity situations. Ron exemplifies the heart of emergency nursing and what the DAISY Award represents.
He doesn’t just save lives, he preserves humanity in the process.
The patient was highly agitated, verbally escalated, and unresponsive to de-escalation efforts from multiple team members, including security personnel. Despite the heightened tension and the presence of several staff attempting to assist, no one was able to calm the patient—until Ron stepped in.
Although this was not Ron’s assigned patient, he immediately offered support with professionalism and poise. From the moment he engaged, Ron demonstrated exceptional therapeutic communication. He spoke to the patient with calmness, dignity, and respect, listening attentively to her concerns without judgment. His presence alone de-escalated the situation significantly, as he remained grounded, empathetic, and assertive in his communication.
When Ron briefly stepped away, the patient’s agitation quickly escalated, and security had to intervene using a shield and appropriate restraint protocol to maintain safety. Ron promptly returned to the bedside and continued to advocate for the patient’s comfort and autonomy, even during this high-stress moment. He ensured the patient’s privacy and dignity were maintained, adjusting blankets to keep her covered, checking that restraints were not too tight by ensuring appropriate finger spacing, and offering continuous verbal reassurance.
Ron consistently treats every patient, regardless of their behavior or circumstances, with the utmost respect. In an environment that often demands quick thinking and emotional resilience, his compassion and unwavering dedication to patient dignity stand out.
He not only de-escalated a volatile situation but also reminded all of us what it truly means to care.
The Emergency Department often does not receive the recognition it deserves for the patience, emotional intelligence, and compassion required in high-acuity situations. Ron exemplifies the heart of emergency nursing and what the DAISY Award represents.
He doesn’t just save lives, he preserves humanity in the process.