Nurses are called to care for the whole person with compassion - to be concerned for more than just their physical well-being. Along with hospitalization comes anxiety and long hours waiting for the next test or the next results. Stress and anxiety are frequent visitors to our patients' rooms as a natural result of dealing with pain, difficult news, and waiting for what comes next.

Geneva Baxley wanted to find a way that she could make a difference in helping her patients to cope with the long hours of waiting and stress. She initiated the start of a library of entertaining DVDs for patients. Dot, our department director, purchased a portable DVD player and various staff members donated DVDs. 5T now has more than 30 movies and TV shows that can help bring a smile and a giggle, or just be a pleasant distraction to help pass the time. Those who have used the movies for their patients report that it made a positive difference and the patients really appreciated the gift of distraction.

Giving anxious patients a pleasant diversion is a great way to help them deal with the stress that comes with being in the hospital. Geneva's initiation of this idea demonstrates her compassion and commitment to the holistic care of our patients.