In MICU, a patient was having a difficult time accepting that he was unable to perform the functions that he had previously been able to do. He became very withdrawn and refused to interact with staff. He closed his eyes when anyone entered the room and would not make eye contact with anyone. Amy knew that he was able to respond previously to this occurring and had a serious conversation with him. She explained that staff believed he could not hear or understand anything and that plans were being made to move him to a long-term care facility. She said, "I know you're angry and I understand that, but if you don't let the doctors know that you're aware of your surroundings and able to communicate, that's what they'll continue to believe. Is that what you want?"For the first time since his admission, he opened his eyes, looked her in the face and shook his head. Later, when his wife arrived, Amy explained what she'd said and how he had responded. His wife hugged Amy and was able to have a conversation with her husband. This was when the patient began to improve. He eventually was able to start OT and PT, getting to the point that he was on a ventilator. He even got up and into a chair each day. On his bad days, when he began to exhibit this behavior again, Amy would look him in the eye and say, "Do we really need another heart to heart?" He would just smile and usually he would start to cooperate with staff. Amy often requested to be assigned to him, assisting him and his wife with many things, including his passing. Amy attended the funeral, where his wife asked her to sit with the family. This example of caring is quite routine for Amy and we appreciate her service to our critically ill veterans every day.