There was an exceedingly difficult patient on 3 East. This patient was seeing several disciplines for therapy. He had been difficult to manage as he was always in a foul mood. Lori was his nurse. She noted that it was his birthday and went the extra mile to go to the gift shop and purchase a birthday card. She then ordered a piece of chocolate cake from dietary and had all the nurses and his physician sign the birthday card. She then had the other nurses go in with her and sing "Happy Birthday". By the time that I made it to his room, he had a huge change in attitude. Though he was tired, he was happy to discuss his current plan of care. Lori's small gesture made a huge change in his attitude towards his care and thereafter he became an active participant.

Lori went above and beyond her job duties to recognize this patient on his special day. Her small acts of kindness made a huge impact.