I recently witnessed a clinical situation that was positively affected by Elizabeth’s exemplary intervention. A breast cancer patient reported to clinic for an appointment with her oncologist. Upon initial assessment with Elizabeth, the patient exhibited signs of significant depression and extreme somberness since her last visit. Elizabeth immediately picked up on these signs which led to a detailed psychiatric assessment. She was able to learn the patient attempted suicide recently, but failed. Additionally, she recognized signs the patient had intentions of trying again. Elizabeth went into patient advocacy mode acting boldly with compassion and confidence, as she typically does. She quickly created an environment to ensure the patient’s safety, notified the attending physician, and initiated an emergent psychiatric consultation. A staff psychiatrist spent several hours with the patient providing assistance and ultimately a mutually agreed upon plan of care.
Elizabeth’s astute clinical skills and excellent decision making capabilities turned a serious, near fatal situation into one of hope, optimism, and life. Her main concern was protecting the patient and providing the help that was so desperately needed. Elizabeth’s attributes and passion for her patients is unique and accurately depicts the true meaning of the DAISY Award.