Sheila was nominated by her manager and peers. In December, Sheila had a patient well-known to the unit and on day 38 of his stay. This younger gentleman had a wife and two young children at home. Sheila noticed that he had a small Christmas tree in his room. Making small talk, she asked if his Christmas shopping was done. With a saddened look on his face, he shook his head "no". Sheila then contacted a volunteer, telling her the ages of his children and their likes/wishes for Christmas. The volunteer went to the Gift Shop, filled a cart full of items, and brought them up to the patient's room. Holding up each item, Sheila asked him to pick out gifts to give his wife and kids. These gifts were then purchased for him by the unit nurses and wrapped to go under the tree. Many nurses and staff were brought to tears with the joy in this patient's eyes, knowing that he was going to be able to give these gifts to his family while he was still in the hospital.
Sheila consistently offers compassion above and beyond what is expected of any nurse. She cares for her patients as if they are her own family members. She takes time out to help them appreciate and celebrate the little things in life, regardless of what tragedy they may be overcoming. She not only made the patient appreciative of the Christmas season, she also brought the spirit of Christmas to the hearts of the ICU staff.
We are sure that Christmas day was a blessing when he got to see his two little boys and his wife open their gifts, thanks to Sheila.