In a heartwarming display of compassion and dedication, Heather Braden, an RN at Atrium Health Floyd Medical Cente
r in Rome, Georgia, has been honored as the Daily Nurse Nurse of the Week. Her recent actions exemplify what it means to be a nurse—going above and beyond to help those in need, especially during challenging times.
Recently, Braden encountered a single mother and her special-needs daughter who were facing an unimaginable crisis. Their home had tragically burned down, forcing them to move out of a hotel just as they were running out of time. In their new living situation, a mobile home, the family urgently needed a wheelchair ramp, which had been removed from their previous home, to facilitate their move.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Braden sprang into action. “Her house had burned down; she was in a hotel room, and they were kicking her out that day,” Braden recalled. “What do you do? Who helps people like this?” Fortunately, Braden knew exactly what to do.
She reached out to her husband, Dana Braden, a firefighter in Milton, who had a trailer. Together, they moved the essential wheelchair ramp to the family’s new mobile home, ensuring they could transition into their new life with some semblance of normalcy.
Braden was presented with a DAISY Award for her selfless act of kindness, which recognizes exceptional bedside nurses for their extraordinary care. Sheila Bennett, Senior Vice President and Chief of Patient Services at Floyd articulated the profound impact of Braden’s actions: “Beyond the tangible assistance, the nurse’s gesture provided significant emotional support. The act of moving the ramp also symbolized a restoration of some level of normalcy and dignity for the family.”
“This is what the DAISY Award was made for,” Bennett added, highlighting the essence of compassion that this recognition embodies.
The DAISY Foundation was established in honor of Patrick Barnes, who passed away from an autoimmune disease while receiving treatment in a Seattle hospital. As part of the award presentation, Braden received a DAISY pin and a beautifully hand-carved sculpture entitled “A Healer’s Touch,” created by the Shona ethnic group in Zimbabwe.
In keeping with DAISY tradition, Braden and her colleagues were treated to delicious cinnamon buns—one of the few foods that Patrick could enjoy while hospitalized, symbolizing nourishment and care.
Heather Braden’s actions remind us of the profound impact that nurses can have on their patients and their families, especially during their most vulnerable moments. Her commitment to serving others exemplifies the true spirit of nursing, making her a deserving recipient of the Nurse of the Week honor. Thank you, Heather, for your unwavering compassion and dedication!
Nominate a Nurse of the Week! Every Wednesday, DailyNurse.com features a nurse making a difference in the lives of their patients, students, and colleagues. We encourage you to nominate a nurse who has impacted your life as the next Nurse of the Week, and we’ll feature them online and in our weekly newsletter.
The post Celebrating Compassion: Heather Braden Helps Family in Time of Need first appeared on Daily Nurse.