During her first week of clinical in a new facility, Carmen met an elderly patient with dementia to whom she was not assigned but she realized the patient had a need. The patient’s need was to have a conversation with someone that could listen and understand her. This patient only spoke Spanish and the staff did not have anyone available to translate for the patient. Because Spanish is Carmen’s first language, she was able to fulfill that need. The patient explained to Carmen that she felt alone in her hospital room and as Carmen explains it, she was able to apply therapeutic communication to help the patient with her loneliness and anxiety. Due to having to wait for placement in long-term care, this patient spent many weeks in the hospital. Each clinical day, Carmen made sure to stop in and say hello to this patient and spend a little time with her.

On discharge day, Carmen was working with the nurse caring for the patient. Carmen explained in her self-evaluation how she had the opportunity to be a part of the discharge and was able to translate instructions and discuss the process with the patient. The patient was crying and scared of the changes she was experiencing but Carmen supported her through the process by helping her get dressed and pack up her things to leave the hospital.

Later, the patient’s daughter who also only speaks Spanish and lives in Florida called the facility because she was unaware of the details surrounding her mother’s transfer. Carmen was able to speak to the daughter and translate the needed information from the nurse. As her instructor, I am so proud of Carmen for stepping up and helping this patient. She went above and beyond expectations in recognizing and supporting the needs of this patient and her family!