Providing shelter from the storm
After a routine appointment at UI Health Care–Iowa River Landing, a patient sat down to wait for a cab that never arrived.
Despite repeated assurances the cab would soon be there, the patient later learned dangerous snow conditions had grounded the driver. While the weather may be hot now, it’s a story that is still top of mind for Becky Krob, BSN, RN.
Krob was finishing her shift when a housekeeping supervisor David Dohrer noticed the patient was still waiting to go home.
“I was really impressed that he realized we needed to do something for this patient,” she says. “This patient had no money and nowhere to go.”
Krob, Dohrer, and security guard Sai Insisiengmay then began brainstorming. Due to the winter storm, cabs and Uber were shut down. So, they found a room at the Homewood Suites next to UI Health Care–Iowa River Landing.
Looking for the good
After escorting the patient to the hotel room, Krob realized the person had nothing to eat.
“Becky could have easily tried to get home safely herself, but she put this patient above her own needs,” says Tayler Stultz, medical assistant.
All the restaurants were closed, and it wasn’t safe to walk.
“As a nurse, we know where to locate food stashes,” jokes Krob. “I gathered enough snacks to feed her until the next day when she could return home.”
Krob is often described as a cheerful or optimistic person when it comes to patient care.
“I always look for the good in everyone and every situation,” she says. “This patient was so grateful for the food and lodging, but also needed someone to listen. I was glad I could help.”
Caring for patients and family
Back in the 1980s, Krob looked for a profession where she could help people and also care for a family. She says nursing was the perfect career choice.
“I’ve been able to accommodate raising my kids, and I’ve worked the entire time,” she says. “Getting to meet patients and seeing the advances in medicine are really exciting.”
For her compassion and generosity helping the storm-stranded patient, Krob was presented with a DAISY Award.
“I was very touched and honored to be nominated, but there were so many moving pieces and so many other people involved,” says Krob. “I’ve been at the hospital for 38 years, and I consider the DAISY Award the highest honor.”