Adam is fairly new to pediatrics, but not to nursing. With this transition comes some anxiety and a lot of learning about how to interact with patients of varying ages, all with varying needs for communication, comfort, and support. Adam was assigned a teenage boy and quickly realized the power he had as a male nurse with a young man. He was quickly able to connect with him. This patient was here for a bit and over time, Adam was able to develop a therapeutic relationship with this patient.
Adam assessed that his patient was often melancholy and would encourage the patient to go on evening walks. Soon this was a regular routine. Adam and this patient would go on walks and talk; his mom did not join them on their walks, as she also recognized the benefit of this bonding time and the therapeutic rapport that Adam was taking the time to build. This patient had recently received some disappointing news, as his disease course had taken an unexpected turn. The news of a colostomy is shocking and frightening to a teenager. Adam heard these anxieties and wanted to find a way to be therapeutic and offer support.
At home, Adam explored what resources were available online. He stumbled upon a YouTube video that was of another young man sharing his story about getting a colostomy and how he had adapted. That night, Adam shared this video with the patient, and then the two set out on their nightly walk. Adam was able to have an open and honest conversation with this patient about his fears and concerns over getting a colostomy and he reflected on the video. I had the privilege of hearing this story during Adam's GROW conversation. He was not even aware of how inspiring this story is.
To me this story is the essence of nursing - going the extra mile to be there for patients when they are at their lowest, most vulnerable moments. We often do not take the time to even acknowledge the power of our actions. In hearing this story and hearing Adam reflect on the changes in this young man's demeanor and in their conversation after the video, I was moved. I am sure this gesture was meaningful to both the patient and his mother. We have amazing nurses who do amazing work every day and often the most touching gestures go unnoticed.