Going Above and Beyond to Care for Patients and Families in the ED, IMCU

A surprise trip to the hospital Emergency Department (ED) or being admitted for inpatient care after an accident, injury or medical issue is stressful under the best circumstances. But for patients and families dealing with memory issues, in addition to medical emergencies, the process can often be harrowing.

Enter Registered Nurse Hunter Ramsdell, who serves as a member of Alice Hyde’s nursing teams caring for patients in the ED and hospital Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU). Since Alice Hyde’s DAISY Award launched in 2022, Hunter has been nominated multiple times by patients, family members and co-workers who say his dedication to patients and calm, compassionate demeanor routinely helps confused patients and anxious families successfully navigate their time in the hospital.

“I just found him to be someone who goes above-and-beyond all the time, especially for an elderly patient,” said Donna Andre, whose mother, Lillian King, was taken to Alice Hyde’s ED after suffering a fall.

King, who Andre said has dementia, had missed a meal and was struggling as they waited in the hospital’s ED waiting room. She said Hunter made sure her mother was able to eat while they waited to be seen by a provider, and took the time to make sure she understood where she was and what was going on.

“Being in the ER is tough anyway, but when you have someone who is taking good care of your elderly parents, it just means that much more,” said Andre.

 Kammy Jeror, whose father spent time in Alice Hyde’s IMCU earlier this year, has a similar story to tell.

“He provided amazing care to my dad, even though my dad didn’t know what was going on,” wrote Jeror, in her DAISY nomination.  “He communicated with him, and with us (his family) as well. He did an amazing job advocating for my father. It made such a difference knowing my dad was in great hands, and that even if we weren’t directly in the room, there would be someone there to advocate and put his best interest at heart.”

The longtime RN’s colleagues also point out his deft touch with patients and families – as well as his willingness to support them.

“Hunter never ceases to amaze me,” wrote Kandi Saucier, RN, nominating Hunter for a DAISY Award for his care of a seriously ill patient and their family in the IMCU.

Saucier remembers watching as Hunter spoke with the patient and their family about resuscitation options and end-of-life considerations, gently guiding them through the details of what she remembers as a scary and uncertain time for them.

“He wanted to prepare them with information so they could make an informed decision about their care,” she wrote. “Hunter went through everything step-by-step, to calm the patient down and make sure they knew they were in great hands. He went above and beyond to comfort and care for both the patient and their family members.”

That supportive approach extends to Hunter’s colleagues as well, they say.

“The ER is hectic, and Hunter is always positive and helpful,” write Ellen Miller, RN, in her nomination of Hunter for a DAISY Award. “No matter what he is doing, he stops to help. He’s a great nurse and a great asset to the team. He makes learning in the ER very comfortable.”