I have had the opportunity to work alongside Valerie for a few years as the charge nurse of SPU and I have sat back and noticed how great she is. I felt it was time to give her recognition for the compassion she shows daily. She is a patient advocate warrior. From calling the patient's own pharmacy to ensure they received our e-prescription, to sitting next to someone in need of companionship and a few kind words, to constantly giving patients updates on their plan of care to alleviate some of their fears, all while taking some of the load off the charge nurse. Even in the hastiness of our day, her compassion never waivers. Valerie considers all her words before speaking with a loving attitude and that goes a long way toward the patient experience. She is also very attentive to someone's privacy and dignity and she encourages all around her to do the same. All while she expects nothing in return.
One example of her caring nature was displayed when we had a middle-aged couple that did not speak much English and had no family here in the United States. They had arrived here approximately a year ago in search of a "better life", and soon after the patient's husband had a stroke that left him with left-sided hemiplegia. As Valerie called for the Lift Team to assist the patient from the wheelchair to the stretcher, she began to wonder how his wife cared for him at home. She felt like they had been overlooked or unable to tell someone of their needs. She went above and beyond contacting the Social Worker to find out what voluntary services were available for them and what other services could assist them with ADL's at least once a week. That simple gesture of concern by Valerie, speaks volume of her character. The patient's wife really appreciated what she did for them. Valerie is most deserving of the DAISY Award as she meets and exceeds every value necessary for the nomination.