Pam Travis

Nurses at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center are encouraged to "journal" their accomplishments to remind themselves and others of how meaningful compassionate patient care can influence the lives of so many. Here is Pam's journal entry:

Patient was admitted with a large gaping wound requiring multiple dressing changes throughout the day and night. She became quite depressed because of her wound and lengthy hospital stay. I realized that she was depressed and needed some diversion activity. I would sit her up in a chair, open her window, and sit with her for a few moments. I would have her visualize that she was on a tropical beach and I would serve her a glass of chilled pineapple juice and tell her it was a “maitai.” This went on for weeks. The patient responded well to this and looked forward to our “beach excursions.” She would look forward to the days I worked. She progressed and her depression improved. She finally was discharged and commented that she would continue the visual exercises when she was home.

This patient reminded me that nursing, while it can be very complex, fast paced and technical, it is the warm, caring human touch and interactions with my patients that make me proud to be a nurse.

The patient recently visited the unit and while I was not there on the day of her visit, she expressed her thanks and stated that she would remember the care given to her while a patient. Knowing how sick she was, I would have loved to see her up and walking around.