I had the pleasure of participating in the recent HFAP survey as a scribe. I rounded at all three hospital campuses with the Environment of Care surveyor but it was at one particular campus that left an overwhelming impression on me as well as the surveyor. There were about six escorts that accompanied the EOC surveyor at Washington Township including the Nurse Manager and the Chief Administrative Officer. As we rounded in the Neuro Intensive Care unit, the surveyor stopped in his tracks and observed a nurse who was giving patient care in Room 235.

The nurse was dressed in an isolation gown and was smiling from ear to ear. She was in deep conversation with her patient who was sitting in the chair, she was not aware of anything else that was going on around her (nor the entourage of people in the unit). She gave the woman her morning medications and started her IV's. The surveyor never took his eyes off of her; he was consumed in what he was watching. This particular nurse had no idea anyone was watching her, it was quite evident that this was her normal routine. This nurse clearly was "practicing being in the moment". Her focus was her patient. She maintained that focus and was not wavered by the multiple distractions taking place. This nurse understands the importance of focusing on the patient as a person, making the patient feel valued and safe. She is a shining example for relationship based care and patient centeredness. After about 15 minutes the surveyor approached her with a thumbs up and a "Great Job".

At the end of this survey day we sat with the Vice President of Human Resources, again the surveyor brought up the Nurse he saw in the morning. He told her we should be proud to have such an amazing nurse and that she was the epitome of what a nurse should be. And again at the exit debriefing with Senior Leadership he told this story.

It is wonderful to know that such a great person was recognized for the outstanding work she does. She truly is a genuine person and extraordinary nurse. No one is more deserving of the DAISY Award than Andrea Besaw!