Jake Alt
August 2021
Jake
Alt
,
RN, BSN
Cath Holding
Winchester Medical Center
Winchester
,
VA
United States
When I got back, Jake went into full action. I felt like there wasn’t one other patient in the whole building.
I was scheduled for a heart cath. I was there early and when my name was called I was greeted by Jake and, as he called himself, “Jake from State Farm”. I said, “you aren’t dressed like Jake from State Farm,” and we giggled. I knew from that moment I was going to have a much better day than I had anticipated. We got all the preliminary things done and soon it was time for me to be rolled to the Cath Lab.
When I got back, Jake went into full action. I felt like there wasn’t one other patient in the whole building. He checked on me frequently and always with a smile. He got me some juice and crackers, as it seemed like forever since I had anything to eat. Trust me, it hadn’t been, but my stomach sure felt like it. Jake brought me just what I asked for. A little while after that, with a menu in hand, Jake suggested that I should order lunch so I wouldn’t have to wait long. I picked easy items to handle since my right arm was immobile. The meal arrived so quickly. This great nurse asked me what drink would taste good and I told him “sweet tea” anytime. In a flash, he was back with sweet tea for me. This sounds like a small thing, but it’s huge to a patient for someone to listen and go the extra mile just to make sure you have your favorite drink.
All afternoon his smiling face popped into my room to be sure I was ok and not needing anything. He even included my husband in his checks. Do you know how much that means when not only the patient is considered but also the family member too? They are anxious and concerned about the patient but don’t want to be a bother. The inclusion relaxes them and brings them into the circle of care. I was showing no signs of distress and Jake stated that I could possibly go home any time. He tried so hard to get my doctor to come and discharge me but, unfortunately, the doctor became involved in another case. Jake apologized every time he came in that the doctor hadn’t come yet. I told him not to fret that I had no other important things scheduled for the day. I’ve learned better than to schedule too many things. As they say, the best-laid plans always hit a snag. His discharge instructions were clear, concise, and understandable by me. No technical mumbo-jumbo. He even learned something new that day, which made my discharge instructions even better. My favorite discharge instruction was when he told my husband I couldn’t do dishes for a couple of days. A huge plus for him!
Finally, it was time to go. He took us a little shorter way to get out to leave, which was nice as I was tired, and it was so warm. I felt like I was leaving a long time, missing friend. It is with great pleasure that I nominate Jake Alt, Nurse, Heart & Vascular Center for the DAISY Award. He is kind, efficient, and has superb patient interaction.
Note: This is Jake's 3rd DAISY Award!
When I got back, Jake went into full action. I felt like there wasn’t one other patient in the whole building. He checked on me frequently and always with a smile. He got me some juice and crackers, as it seemed like forever since I had anything to eat. Trust me, it hadn’t been, but my stomach sure felt like it. Jake brought me just what I asked for. A little while after that, with a menu in hand, Jake suggested that I should order lunch so I wouldn’t have to wait long. I picked easy items to handle since my right arm was immobile. The meal arrived so quickly. This great nurse asked me what drink would taste good and I told him “sweet tea” anytime. In a flash, he was back with sweet tea for me. This sounds like a small thing, but it’s huge to a patient for someone to listen and go the extra mile just to make sure you have your favorite drink.
All afternoon his smiling face popped into my room to be sure I was ok and not needing anything. He even included my husband in his checks. Do you know how much that means when not only the patient is considered but also the family member too? They are anxious and concerned about the patient but don’t want to be a bother. The inclusion relaxes them and brings them into the circle of care. I was showing no signs of distress and Jake stated that I could possibly go home any time. He tried so hard to get my doctor to come and discharge me but, unfortunately, the doctor became involved in another case. Jake apologized every time he came in that the doctor hadn’t come yet. I told him not to fret that I had no other important things scheduled for the day. I’ve learned better than to schedule too many things. As they say, the best-laid plans always hit a snag. His discharge instructions were clear, concise, and understandable by me. No technical mumbo-jumbo. He even learned something new that day, which made my discharge instructions even better. My favorite discharge instruction was when he told my husband I couldn’t do dishes for a couple of days. A huge plus for him!
Finally, it was time to go. He took us a little shorter way to get out to leave, which was nice as I was tired, and it was so warm. I felt like I was leaving a long time, missing friend. It is with great pleasure that I nominate Jake Alt, Nurse, Heart & Vascular Center for the DAISY Award. He is kind, efficient, and has superb patient interaction.
Note: This is Jake's 3rd DAISY Award!