DAISY winners show support for their colleagues, patients’ families

We know that our MetroHealth nurses provide outstanding patient care. They also support patients' loved ones and their MetroHealth colleagues. Two of our recent DAISY winners demonstrated compassionate care to families and coworkers during challenging medical situations.

Jackolyn Morgan

A nominator was taking care of a patient who was in distress. "After calling the doctors, I wanted a second nurse to assist me with the things that need to be done when a patient is in distress," the nominator wrote. Jackolyn "Jackie" Morgan was on a float assignment that day, and was just a few doors down. "Several times throughout the day I needed help to care for my patient and Jackie was always willing to help me."

During a shift change, the patient became unresponsive. "Every nurse and care partner on the unit ran into the room to assist, but Jackie took on the leadership role as we began rescue breathing to revive the patient. Nearly an hour later, long after our shift had ended, the family decided they wanted us to stop rescue efforts," the nominator wrote. Jackie stayed behind to support the patient and to help prepare the room before the family's arrival. "She held his hand and explained to him what we were doing as we were doing it. She helped to keep the patient as calm as possible."

The family arrived to be with the patient during his final hours. "I am very grateful to Jackie for all the help she provided me that entire day, but I especially appreciate her help during a very difficult end of life situation," the nominator wrote. "She went above and beyond to help me, the patient and the patient's family."

Jackie has been with MetroHealth for four years. "I love being a float nurse; I get a chance to meet so many different people and learn so many new things daily," she explained. As far as her actions, Jackie sums it up by saying "my coworker needed help. My job as a nurse is to help people in their time of need."

Erik Larson

Erik Larson, a nurse in the Parma Emergency Department, ended up providing care to a colleague's father. His compassionate approach was especially helpful to both the nominator and the father during a holiday season.

"I am a MetroHealth police officer and I work with Erik in the Parma Emergency Department," the nominator wrote. "I have always witnessed Mr. Larson on a daily basis be very compassionate toward every patient he has contact with. I admire how much he cares and the hard work he applies to his profession," the nominator wrote.

A few days before a holiday, the nominator's father had a stroke. Erik was his nurse. "I was unable to be by [dad's] side until he was transferred to main campus for a short stay on 9C," the nominator wrote. The father said wonderful things about the care he received from Erik. "He made sure my dad was comfortable and had everything he needed during a time when my father was scared about what was happening. He continued to say great thinks about Mr. Erik Larson and asked me if I knew him. I told my dad he has a great reputation, and I was ecstatic Mr. Larson was assigned to be his nurse," the nominator wrote.

When the nominator returned to work, he made sure Erik knew that the care he provided was appreciated. "I gave him a big hug and thanked him for keeping my father calm and for taking such great care of him. I also told him the positive impact he had on my dad during such an uncertain time."

The nominator's father was released from the hospital in time to enjoy a holiday dinner with his family. "I am very grateful to Mr. Erik Larson and all the staff members who helped my dad recover."

An acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune SYstem, The DAISYFoundation was formed in November, 1999, by the family of J. Patrick Barnes who died at age 33 of complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). The nursing care Patrick received when hospitalized profoundly touched his family, so they decided to establish an award.