Wayne Lee, Patient Services Associate – PRI – 5 South Child Diagnostic Unit
Please join the Center for Nursing Excellence in congratulating Wayne Lee for being selected as the March BEE Award winner!
Wayne is a Patient Services Associate on PRI – 5 South Child Diagnostic Unit and was nominated by a co-worker. The following is the story of how Wayne impacted their life in a way that they will never forget.
“Mr. Wayne Lee, PSA does not like to admit it and take credit for his actions, but he runs the General Unit on the CDU as PSA, Monday-Friday. When Mr. Wayne is on the unit his presence is well known by all. The patients tend to listen better and follow direction more easily when Mr. Wayne is here due to his approach towards the kids. Mr. Wayne goes above and beyond to help all of the children on this unit. He initiates provision of shoes and clothing for patients that are less fortunate. Having Mr. Wayne as the CDU general PSA proves how the Continuity of Care and routine helps with the progression of our patient’s care while on the unit. The CDU is a Distinguished Unit being the only Child Unit and it is important that familiar faces and people are present on the unit during the 28 day stay to maintain a routine. Mr. Wayne also takes 1:1 patients when necessary and is quick to switch out assignments when a PSA has difficulty with a patient. Mr. Wayne has come in on several occasions when help was needed and he is always willing to train new hires. He takes his time ensuring that all aspects of the unit are taught to the new orientees. When Mr. Wayne is not here you can always tell the difference and even the kid’s notice because they ask when he will be coming back. Again, the continuity of care is exceptional when Mr. Wayne is present.
There are so many examples that we could give but one particular event comes to mind. We admitted an Autistic child on the unit that was struggling with keeping his glasses and mask on at the same time. As many are aware glasses tend to fog up when wearing a mask and this was causing extreme irritability for this child. Multiple staff attempted to teach the child how to adjust the glasses and mask so they would not fog up anymore. The patient became more irritable and very concrete about the situation at hand, so Mr. Wayne allowed time for the patient to take a few minutes in his room to calm himself. He was able to communicate in a way that this patient could understand about how to just wear the mask and not the glasses because they were for reading only. It must have been Wayne’s compassion or his easy going nature, but this child was very receptive and able to process the conversation and rejoined the group activity in the dayroom.
Other examples include him bringing in shoes for the children on the CDU. Mr. Wayne always takes note if the kids have torn shoes upon admission. He goes above and beyond to find shoes for these kids either by searching through our clothing closets or helping to gather community donations to our clothing closets here in PRI. No matter the age or diagnosis, Mr. Wayne initiates conversations with the children about life choices, he discusses positive outlooks on life, and encourages the kids to always strive to make better choices.
When the CDU has more aggressive patients that become dysregulated and combative with staff, Mr. Wayne collaborates and is always by the nurse’s side to help protect staff and take the proper precautions to ensure the patient remains safe. Mr. Wayne has the confidence and capability in helping to de-escalate aggressive patients and he takes the needs of the unit seriously. As soon as the kids see him, they just calm down. I honestly believe he commands that kind of respect on the unit and the kids just see it.
Mr. Wayne provides a well-structured day for the patients on the unit and is always coming up with innovative group activities for the children to participate in. He not only follows the daily schedule but educates the patient about what to expect during their day. Mr. Wayne also assists the children in the school classroom and helps the teacher with redirecting kids who may be struggling to focus on their classwork. His demeanor is always so very calm and his collaboration with the nursing team and interdisciplinary team speaks volumes. Mr. Wayne’s focus will always be for the safety and security of our children in PRI. He strives every day to provide structure, safe and effective care to our children because he knows all the benefits that comes from it for our kids. Thank you, Mr. Wayne Lee for all that you do for us and with us. You are truly appreciated by all of us here in the CDU!”
Way to go Wayne Lee.
Please congratulate Wayne for Being Exceptional Every day at UAMS!