Providing comforting care during moments of crisis for patients, families in the ED
Alaina Zachary was recognized with a DAISY Award for her dedication to providing a peaceful and dignified experience for a patient nearing the end of life.
Providing comfort during life’s most difficult moments requires not only skill but also compassion. For Alaina Zachary, BSN, RN, CEN, that compassion shined through when caring for a patient who was near their end of life in the Emergency Department (ED) at UI Health Care Medical Center - University Campus.
After the patient had returned to the ED following treatment, Zachary stepped in to ease their discomfort as well as support the patient’s sibling who had been by them throughout their illness. Zachary helped complete the patient’s post-care routine, ensuring that they received their medication, were clean and comfortable, and had something to eat after a long day. Zachary even took extra steps to make sure the patient was as comfortable as possible, including feeding them ice cream, dimming the lights, and playing their favorite music to create a calming atmosphere.
Her gentle and empathetic approach in that moment didn’t go unnoticed and led Zachary to receive a DAISY Award, highlighting the lasting impact a nurse can have on both a patient and their family during a challenging time.
“She partnered with me, and we nursed my brother together in a quiet room in the ED while the world buzzed with chaos outside our door,” wrote the patient’s sibling, who nominated Zachary for the DAISY Award.
Why small moments matter
For Zachary, it’s all part of the job. “Being recognized with a DAISY Award was a good reminder of why I do what I do, and that even working in the busy Emergency Department, compassion and commitment go a long way in providing comfort to our patients and their families.”
Zachary points out that the limited time ED nurses typically spend with patients makes every interaction even more important. In the midst of a crisis, patients and their families often feel overwhelmed and are focused on getting admitted or stabilized. This leaves little opportunity for them to process the care they’re receiving at that moment.
“Because our patients are with us for such a short time, we don’t always have the chance to build lasting relationships the way other nurses might,” says Zachary. “That’s why it’s so important to provide compassionate, attentive care in those brief moments—it may be a small part of their journey, but it can leave a lasting impression.”
“We never know what moments are going to stick with people, so I try to be as empathetic as possible and do what I can with the time I have with them,” she adds.
Zachary admits that she didn’t pursue nursing for the praise, but she appreciates knowing that her efforts have a meaningful impact.
“When your work is acknowledged in such a thoughtful way, it really resonates,” Zachary said. “Hearing that you’re making a difference serves as a powerful reminder of why I chose this profession.”
