Danna Wolters, Social Worker in the Emergency Department
Please join the Center for Nursing Excellence in congratulating Danna Wolters for being selected as the March BEE Award winner!
Danna is a Social Worker in the Emergency Department and was nominated by a co-worker. The following is the story of how Danna impacted their life in a way that they will never forget.
On this particular day, Danna was handing off from her 12-hour shift (8:30 PM-9 AM). I was the Social Worker coming on duty after her. She was finishing up her email handoff when I answered the desk phone. The young woman on the phone sounded hysterical. I could hear her baby crying in the background and the young lady was crying herself. In between sobs, the woman told me she had recently had a baby and was instructed to call this number (ED Social Worker desk phone) for emergencies or whenever she started having feelings of depression. Patient was recently diagnosed with Postpartum Depression. I asked the patient several questions, but she was being evasive, stating she did not want anyone to take her children from her. Danna is looking at me with confusion so I turned on the speaker phone so she could hear the pt. I asked the patient if she is suicidal which the patient denied; however, patient was still evasive and vague in answering questions. Also, the patient was refusing to tell me where she was located. Patient continues to cry and state she does not want her children to be taken from her. After several minutes of me not getting anywhere with the patient, Danna began talking with her. Danna was able gain a rapport with her. Danna was able to get family contacts from the pt. as well as her location. I really appreciate Danna because she had that “Special touch,” that allowed the patient to trust her and to divulge information concerning her whereabouts. We then were able to call 911, so the patient could be assessed by medical staff and get the help she needs.
Way to go Danna!
Please congratulate Danna for Being Exceptional Every day at UAMS!