Derrick works on the Second Chance Unit for chronically and severely mentally ill patients. He goes the extra mile to make sure that all patients are treated with the utmost respect and dignity, even if the patient is actively psychotic and out of touch with reality. He ALWAYS PUTS PATIENTS FIRST.

An older male patient was sent out to a local medical hospital to be treated for Clozaril-induced agranulocytosis, severe esophagitis, and right upper lobe pneumonia. Prior to this patient leaving for the hospital, he was alert, oriented and independent with daily activities of living. He was very fond of Mr. Jenkins, and would sit and talk with him about his care. The patient had an endoscopy at the hospital after which he became delirious. The patient returned to the unit with weight loss, incoherent speech, and required total care assistance. Derrick expressed his concern to the treatment team regarding the change in mental status and the patient's inability to care for himself. On a daily basis Derrick would feed the patient, shower him, and assist with toileting. Although the patient was unable to state his name he referred to Derrick as his nurse.

The patient was scheduled to have an MRI to determine if there were any abnormalities of the brain. Derrick volunteered to escort the patient. He wanted to go because he knew the patient might not be able to tolerate the test and also knew the patient needed help to manage his recent episodes of incontinence. Derrick did not wear a tie to work that day because he wanted to accompany the patient. He packed a bag of diapers, wipes, gowns, and pants in anticipation of any form of incontinence. The patient was unable to lie still in the MRI machine and was incontinent during the imaging procedure. Derrick, in a very caring and compassionate way, cared for this patient and returned him safely to the unit. He continued to provide 1:1 attention to this patient until he could speak his name, become more independent with his activities of daily living, and feed himself. The family member who visited the patient regularly expressed sincere gratitude to Derrick and supported this nomination for the DAISY Award.

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On another occasion a patient had a rapid change in his mental state. He was immobilized, mute, and unaware of his surroundings and refused to eat or drink. Derrick fed him and talked to him even though there was no reply from the patient. Lab tests were ordered and showed evidence of dehydration. The patient was sent to a medical facility where he was hydrated and sent back to the unit the same day. Derrick insisted that the patient should have been admitted to the hospital during the first visit; nevertheless, he continued to feed, toilet, and shower this patient as needed. His condition gradually became worse and the patient became mute, immobile, and incontinent. He refused to eat or drink. Two days later the patient was sent back to the medical hospital where he was admitted and treated for low grade neuromalignant syndrome, aspiration pneumonia, and transient hypernatremia.

Without Derrick's extraordinary caring and advocacy, patients like these could possibly die from the medical complications of some of the anti-psychotic medications.

Derrick certainly demonstrates the qualities of a caring and compassionate nurse. We are very proud of Derrick Jenkins, BS, RN, Clinical Manager.