Anne has been a nurse for a long time and has excellent clinical skills. She is one of the best nurses at placing IVs and is always willing to help. What really sets Anne apart is the way she talks to and truly cares for her patients and family members. She has a specific knack for making people feel at ease during stressful situations.
Anne works in pre-op and PACU where so many patients are anxious. Today Anne really made a difference with a young man here for surgery who had mental health issues and was agitated waiting for surgery. He decided he didn't want to wait and was ready to leave. Anne calmed him down by taking extra time to listen to him and allowing him to express his concerns. She also distracted him by talking about her own son and things he has in common with the patient. Anne asked about his interests and when he said he wrote poetry, she asked him to read some to her. This all allowed him to calm down enough to stay and have the procedure he needed. He even left for the OR with a smile on his face.
Afterward, Anne spent extra time talking to the patient's mother who was amazed that her son opened up to and talked with Anne. Anne truly made a difference for this patient and his mother. It was the true demonstration of developing a therapeutic relationship. I have seen Anne do this many times but today she shined even brighter by caring for this young man and his mother.