Sleep disturbance is a symptom that many of our older behavioral health patients suffer from at some point during their hospitalization. Decreasing noise on the unit was a goal of the Geriatric Behavioral Health Unit where our DAISY recipient works. Divya, who works from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., takes the opportunity to provide a quiet environment for patients to heart.

She advocates for noise reduction at a time when patients are most sensitive to it. She begins to do this with her quiet, calm demeanor and consistently sets the tone for her staff with the respectful manner in which the work is carried out.

She developed a toolbox of interventions to assist patients with sleep. She encourages patients to establish bedtime rituals. Warm milk, verbal coaching, an extra blanket, as needed medication are some of the tools she uses. She seems to know just what tool to use for each individual patient.

Patients often refer to Divya as the “nice nurse who gave me warm milk last night.” Patients feel cared for and nurtured under her care. The night shift is often a difficult shift in which to develop relationships with patients, but Divya does it in small ways that provide big gains for the patients. One night she assisted one patient to the bathroom as many as six times. She did this quietly without disturbing other patients who were asleep, while at the same time reassuring the patient, “We are here to care for you.” Patients know their needs are met by Divya’s kindness and compassion.

We are so proud of Divya who is our first night nurse to receive the DAISY Award for extraordinary nurses.