It is with great pride and respect that I nominate Sarita Havens for the DAISY Award. Sarita demonstrated exceptional dedication, compassion, and proactive care in her interaction with a veteran during a recent appointment. A veteran came in for a Fibroscan, and Sarita was the nurse conducting the procedure. During the appointment, the veteran became tearful and confided, "PTSD is a real thing." Sarita's empathetic response provided the veteran and his wife with a safe space to express their concerns. Understanding the difficulty the veteran had in scheduling mental health appointments, she encouraged him to seek mental health support and a detox program due to his increased alcohol consumption. Sarita's commitment to the veteran's well-being did not end with the Fibroscan. Concerned about the veteran's mental and physical health, she asked if he had any suicidal or homicidal ideations, which he denied. Sarita then took immediate and thorough action to ensure he received the necessary follow-up care. She documented her observations and tagged the veteran's Primary Care Provider (PCP) in the chart. Additionally, she personally reached out to the PCP's nurse to explain the situation, ensuring a mental health consult would be arranged. Further illustrating her dedication, Sarita contacted the veteran's wife to inform her about the expected call from the VA to schedule an appointment, providing much-needed reassurance.
The next morning, Sarita followed up to confirm that the mental health consult had been placed. She also communicated with Dr. K to ensure that the veteran received the Fibro-scan results promptly and was advised about the urgent need for detox due to the risk of liver failure. Sarita's actions exemplify the highest standards of nursing care. Her compassion, proactive communication, and unwavering commitment to the veteran's holistic health make her a deserving recipient of this award. Sarita's dedication not only provided critical support to the veteran and his family but also highlighted the vital role that attentive and compassionate nursing care plays in the overall healthcare system. We are honored to recognize Sarita Havens for her outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication to patient care. She is a true asset to our team and an exemplary figure in the nursing profession.