Walter Poyner

Walter had been caring for a very ill patient in the ICU and the patient was not expected to live. The patient's wife was all alone, without family or friends nearby. Walter took the time to be with the wife and to try to explain to her how serious the patient's condition was. The next day the patient was made comfort care and was transferred to the medical floor. The nursing supervisor was talking with Walter about the patient and he asked that the supervisor check on him and his wife. He stated he was very concerned about her well being. As this conversation was taking place the supervisor was paged. The page stated that this patient had just passed away. The supervisor went to the patient's room and spent several minutes with the wife. They talked about the patient and his care, the patient's wife stated that all the nurses were wonderful, but Walter was the very best, “he is so kind and compassionate. He spent most of last night trying to tell me how sick my husband was. I know he didn’t think I was listening but I just didn’t want to believe him.” The supervisor asked if the patient's wife wanted Walter to come to the room, and she thought that would be great. Walter did not hesitate and spent time with her and then walked her to her car. Later that night Walter asked the supervisor to have someone follow up with the patient's wife as he was worried about her being alone.