I spent two days on the Trauma Care Unit (5 West) on the Memorial campus for a bicycle accident resulting in a concussion/clavicle fracture and road rash. It was at first amusing, then extraordinarily frightening to be on the other side of the fence, so to speak, as a patient. Audrey cared for me both days. Though it was not her usual unit, I was impressed by her kindness, thoroughness, calm demeanor, reassurance, competence, and consideration at every encounter. She was extremely thoughtful in her dealing with my very frightened wife and daughters throughout my brief stay.


Attending to the dignity of a patient in such a vulnerable position, going beyond the charting demands, prioritizing both efficiency and humanity, seeing the patient as a person worth their undivided attention – these are attributes we physicians seldom master. We have so much to learn from our nursing colleagues like Audrey, at the bedside, where it counts, when nobody’s watching.