We currently have a patient who has been on our unit for 2 months. She is a dementia patient who is awaiting public fiduciary. I have been amazed by the numerous examples of staff demonstrating compassion, kindness, and love for this patient. Staff members have used their own money to purchase this patient new pajamas, have taken her to the cafeteria to get ice cream, have brought in stuffed animals and even a baby doll to care for.
I would like to recognize one of our nurses, Lisa, for going even further. Lisa came into work on her day off and delivered an activities bin that she had put together for this patient. It included coloring books, colored pencils, crochet needles, yarn, puzzles, beads with string, stickers, an activities apron, etc. These were all items that Lisa purchased and put together with this patient in mind. Lisa also brought in a nice comb, hair products, and hair pins and spent the time to do this patient's hair (the patient had been commenting that her hair was a mess). I wish you could see this patient's face the rest of the day - she was glowing. She kept commenting on how beautiful she felt.
Lisa then sat with the patient while she ate lunch and just spent time socializing and enjoying her company. I am absolutely in awe of the fact that not only did Lisa prepare all of this for this patient, but she came in on her day off to spend quality time with this patient who now views our staff as family. These are the kind of nurses that change patient lives through compassion, empathy, and excellent patient care. I am fortunate to have the pleasure to work with such an amazing nurse.