A patient came up to the desk on NVU saying he had been discharged two days prior. This patient lives at a hotel, and doesn't have family in the area. Katie Coburn, RN was the nurse he encountered. This patient had a Bronson bag with his discharge things, but could not find his discharge paperwork. Katie printed a copy for him and went through it with him again. He wondered if he was taking his meds correctly. He had his home med container box with him. Katie took the time to look up the meds in the boxes and identify them, compare them with his list, and confirm for him that he was doing things correctly. Then he had questions regarding his follow up care and doctor appointments. Katie was very kind and patient with him. She verified his appointments with him, even making sure he had marked them on him personal calendar correctly.

He had questions about congestive heart failure and she answered them and educated him further so he could understand. She discussed how he should weigh himself and answered all of the questions he had about the scale, weight of his clothing, etc. The patient explained that when he was discharged he had so much on his mind that now he couldn't remember everything he was supposed to do. Katie's demeanor was gentle, kind, and approachable throughout; she made good eye contact with him, and made him feel relaxed and comfortable so he could feel at ease asking all of his questions.

When the patient arrived, he looked anxious and was sweating. When he left, he was smiling; he looked happy, peaceful, and very encouraged that he was doing a great job taking care of himself. Katie deserves to be acknowledged for her compassion and patience. I was sitting near her and observed this encounter, and although words can't quite capture it, I felt very proud of Katie, and happy to be her co-worker.