I received a report on a patient that was being admitted to our unit from another unit. This patient was admitted for severe hypothermia, malnutrition and severe neglect. He had Cerebral Palsy. We had to ensure that he was protected and that his relatives were unaware of his location. He was being cared for by them, and they essentially left him to die on the side of the road. He stayed on our unit for approximately three weeks while he waited for guardianship from the state. I spoke to the police, and they informed me that his mother was his caretaker and she had passed away approximately six months prior to this incident. In his brother's care, he became emaciated, losing approximately 90 pounds. This is the most severe form of neglect and disregard for human life I have ever seen.

I had the pleasure of taking care of him multiple times during his stay in our unit. He was going to be transferred to a local nursing home for further care. On this specific day, Alexis Jenkins who happened to be the resource nurse for the day had helped me with his discharge. When transport came to take him, he was visibly shaking and crying. He begged Alexis and I to let him stay with us. He stated he was scared and didn't want to leave the unit. Alexis came in and helped me calm him down. She was amazing with him. She had also promised him that she was going to stop by on her way home and check in on him to make sure he was doing ok. He eventually stopped crying and left the unit. As he was wheeled down the hall, Alexis and I both broke down crying. We had provided him with a safe place to recover. The amount of professionalism and caring displayed by Alexis this day surpassed anything I have ever seen in a nurse. We were extremely busy and overwhelmed that day, and she stepped up to the place.

On my way home, tears just flowed out of my eyes, I was very worried for him and his prognosis. I arrived home and Alexis called me to inform me that she had stopped at a store with her own money and bought him some snacks and things that he would like. She had just left the nursing home, she kept her promise to him. She reassured me that he was content, safe and happy. I was able to sleep peacefully because of her actions that day. She went above and beyond for an at-risk patient.

Alexis consistently displays an amount of professionalism and teamwork that should be modeled by other nurses. This is not a one-time event that Alexis has come through and shined, she displays this every time she is at work. This is just one of many instances where she has helped a patient and a colleague.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Thank you for also reading about this incredible nurse and her efforts to help those that are less fortunate.