Macon nurse awarded for helping patient get away from an abuser, Piedmont says

A Macon nurse has been honored with a major award from Piedmont Healthcare after she helped a patient who was a victim of kidnapping get away from her alleged abuser, Piedmont said in a news release Tuesday.

During a patient interaction at Piedmont Macon North Hospital, nurse Tiara McCoy suspected something was wrong as she observed a man accompanying a female patient.

“Trusting her intuition, she created a private and safe space by bringing the patient back alone for assessment,” Piedmont said in a news release. “Once in the room, McCoy gently and professionally asked psychological and safety-related assessment questions, which led the patient to disclose physical and sexual abuse.”

The patient also told the nurse she was not in contact with her family, so McCoy provided her with a phone to call family members. McCoy also was able to discreetly notify staff to investigate. This included a case worker who was able to provide the patient with resources.

As a result, the patient was able to escape the situation and reconnect with her family.

McCoy was given Piedmont’s President’s Award at a ceremony to reward her for her efforts.

“By creating a safe space and connecting the patient to help, McCoy served as a pivotal stepping stone that allowed the patient to reclaim her life and return home,” Piedmont said in a news release.

Piedmont’s President’s Award is the highest honor from the nonprofit health system.

At the awarding ceremony, McCoy received accolades in a letter from Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.

The governor’s office and First Lady Marty Kemp have worked towards bringing attention to the concern of human trafficking in the state. On behalf of the first lady, the governor’s office has established 10 anti-human trafficking bills, according to Piedmont.