Kind nurses show up with a smile and develop immediate bonds- patients feel relieved to be under their care. Add exceptional skills and a whole lot of humor, and the last of their fears dissipate. Stephanie is a nurse of this quality- a soul of great energy who knows no strangers. What strikes me the most about her is her ability to recognize when patient or family safety might be at risk.
It was a weekend in the ER when an ambulance pulled in with a patient in distress. After a routine triage and a medical examination, it was evident that the patient would require expert consultation, and hence, a transfer to another facility.
The patient was hesitant to transfer up to the mainland because he was leaving their two dogs, so the couple decided that the wife would stay behind. Initially, this seemed like an adequate resolution, until it became evident to Stephanie that the short-term memory of the wife was more significant than what the patient was able to acknowledge. Stephanie offered to talk to the neighbors to let them know what was going on as well as stop by and check on the wife in the morning while she waited for the patient's son to get to town.
This story is one example of how Stephanie makes a real impact on the delivery of care and the safety she provides to her patients and her community.