I have worked with Eric for many years and have witnessed numerous times his compassion for his patients and family, as well as his detail-oriented work and exceptional clinical skills. In the NICU, the neonate is not the only patient; the parents of the baby serve as the patients as well, being "sick" from worry and feelings of helplessness. In addition to giving his undivided attention and care to his patients, Eric includes the parents in their baby's plan of care, assuring them that their baby is in the best place possible, while showing an immense amount of compassion and empathy for their situation. Parents frequently request that Eric continue to care for their baby in the NICU. I can go on and on about how I think he meets all the criteria for the DAISY Award, but narrating a specific story would prove to be a better example.
Just a few months ago, he was caring for a little baby girl (let's call her "Alice") who, by all normal standards, should have been going home with her parents after a few days in the hospital, post delivery. She was a full term baby, big, beautiful, and the first child for the parents. Unfortunately, underlying issues caused her to be admitted into the NICU. She became very sick, needing surgery a few times, and a vast amount of medication. Eric cared for her many times in her stay in the NICU and became a constant source of information and comfort to the parents. He explained the situation thoroughly to Alice's parents, updated them consistently, and made them feel more at ease during the rough patches of her stay. Often times they requested that Eric take care of Alice on his scheduled work days. There were many changes in Alice's status, especially during post-op recovery, and Eric was always on top of those changes, reporting clinical manifestations and issues of concern to the residents and neonatologists. He knew Alice well and knew which behavior changes in her were pertinent to her condition and which were just part of her growth and development. When she was discharged, Eric told Alice's parents to listen to Alice's cues, that she will guide them in what she needs, and that the best thing they could do for her is to follow their instincts in knowing what was best for her. I think they appreciated all the time he spent not only with Alice, but with them in keeping them so well-informed and being supportive in their decision-making process concerning Alice's plan of care.
As a critical care nurse, Eric is praiseworthy in his clinical skills and assessments. As part of the NICU "team," he is a true team player, always providing assistance to others when needed and asked, always letting it known that he is available. He is a good resource and mentor for the newer nurses, lending assistance and guidance to them. For example, I can recall when a newer nurse in the unit asked him to place an IV in her patient. Rather than "take over" and start the IV for her, he guided and encouraged her to start the IV herself, teaching her certain "tricks of the trade." Needless to say, she was successful in her IV placement on her first attempt! I have used Eric as a resource constantly and he never fails to help me when I need it. I enjoy working with him and I do think of him as a "gift" when I work side by side with him. I see him give his heart to his little patients with the gentlest touch. He is an extraordinary nurse.