We recently had a patient who was admitted with a vertebral fracture and was homeless. He was a kind bubbly gentleman who was very respectful towards the staff. Recently I was able to watch his interaction with Nurse Anni. She treated him with kindness and respect making sure all his needs were met. She took the time to explain his medications and listen to his stories.
Two nurses also witnessed a true act of kindness from Anni for this patient. She had already clocked out and left the unit. She was seen coming back to the Unit with a bag in her hand. She was trying to get by her peers without them noticing her. One of her colleagues stopped her and asked what she had in the bag. She smiled and quietly told them she had some clothes for him. She said that morning she was talking to the patient and he was talking about being discharged. She had asked him if he wished to take a shower and he had said that he didn't want to wear the same clothes after his shower and he didn't want to wear this hospital gown because he knew others would know he was in the hospital. Anni, being the sweet nurse that she is, immediately called her husband who was picking her up that morning and asked him to bring some clothes for the patient. The other nurses commented on how this brought tears to their eyes seeing how kind and thoughtful Anni was towards this patient.
She truly touched her peers and showed them that kindness comes in the smallest forms. They were so excited to share her story and so grateful they worked with a caring nurse such as Anni. The patient was extremely happy and thanked her, his comment to her was, "When I finish taking a shower, I will feel good about myself". She demonstrated an extraordinary act of compassion towards this patient. Often as nurses, we wonder "Did I make a difference?" And in this moment, Anni's random act of kindness truly made an impact on this patient and how he felt about himself. On this day, he walked out of Doctors Hospital knowing someone cared for him and wanted him to preserve his dignity. Anni's devotion and exemplary care are truly deserving of this DAISY Award.