The reason for my reaching out to you is we wanted to significantly recognize an RN at your Baptist South Facility. On Tuesday, J (husband) was transported from Baptist ER Oakleaf to Baptist South. He had been bleeding out internally. With all his health issues, but especially when he bleeds out, his ability to reason and think deteriorates, and he gets very agitated and angry. With this stay, he did not want to be there anymore; he was very stressed out and becoming difficult to deal with (we ended up having him sedated at my request).

In stepped Jâ'Nai Leachman. I cannot begin to explain what a lifesaver she was for us (literally). While there were many people engaged in his care, in his diminished mental state, she stepped in. He was ready to leave, even though we did not know if he was still bleeding or not. Jâ'Nai listened to him, calmed him, held him while he cried, and gave him a safe space. She showed true compassion. She checked on him frequently and treated him like he was the only one on the floor. She personalized her care for him beyond what is normally done.

When the orders were confused about the procedure, he was ready to leave again. She was the only one able to convince him to stay; she called in favors to get doctors there quickly to sign off and approve so he could get the procedure done. The next day, when she was supposed to be assigned elsewhere, she asked to be assigned back to his floor so that she could make sure he was taken care of. I don't say this lightly. In all his years of medical issues, hospital stays, and too many doctors to count, Jâ'Nai was the best nursing experience we have ever had. She displayed all of your principles of care.

While I am completing the Caregiver Recognition card that comes to you, there is not enough room for all this information. Thanks for letting me share this information with you.

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Thank you, J’Nai Leachman, for all you do for our patients, families, and team members! Congratulations on receiving the DAISY Award!