Tierra Gallaher, certified nurse assistant and registered nursing student, earned Blessing Hospital’s 64th Honey Bee award during a surprise presentation on January 26. The Blessing Hospital Honey Bee award recognizes the exceptional service provided by support staff.

Tierra was nominated by a nurse familiar with the situation in recognition of Tierra’s exceptional interaction with an autistic, nonverbal patient who had been admitted to the Progressive Care Unit.

“On their 22nd birthday, the patient was discharged from a group home and dropped off at his parents’ house with a tackle box full of medications. The family had concerns with the amount of medication their child was on and brought them into the Emergency Department. The individual was acting out by hitting their head, throwing items across the room, and squeezing staff member’s hands so hard it would leave indentations in their hands.”

Tierra was asked to be a member of the patient’s care team.

“On arrival to the department, she requested we have printout communication boards so the patient could communicate with staff. Tierra brought to the patient’s room a soft green cube that the patient could throw back and forth and other items the patient could use to help with their sensory needs. The patient instantly lit up the room with his smile. 

The patient did not like sleeping in the hospital bed, so Tierra laid mats on the floor and built a pallet for the patient to sleep on. She took the patient for walks in the hallway as they counted the squares out loud. The patient would communicate using the communication board and tell her when they felt angry. 
She ensured the patient’s sensory needs were met by dimming lights and turning on a white noise machine. Tierra refused to leave the patient’s side until they fell asleep for the night. 

This particular patient population is near and dear to Tierra’s heart. I can’t tell you enough how proud I am of her.”

Honey Bee award nomination forms are located on all nursing units and other locations throughout Blessing Hospital.