Beatrice Border
July 2022
Beatrice
Border
,
RN
Pediatrics
Ascension Saint Alexius Medical Center
Hoffman Estates
,
IL
United States
The craft of crocheting requires simple tools - sticks and string. But there are endless and complex possibilities of what might be accomplished with a teacher like Bea. And there's none more complex than a patient's well-being.
Beatrice Border isn't a therapist. Neither is she a counselor of any kind. She's an RN in our Pediatrics unit with an abiding fondness for the craft of crochet, and her skills at playing hook and yarn play a big part in her being honored with this month's DAISY Award.
It's standard practice for Bea to take the time to get to know her patients as well as she can so that she can provide them with the most effective support possible. Some time back, a young female patient with an eating disorder struck her as being in particular need, so Bea made a special effort on her behalf. After several talks with the girl about her interests, the patient took up Bea's offer to teach her how to crochet.
So Bea dipped into her own pocket and bought all the supplies they'd need, they stayed on after her shifts ended so she could patiently pass along all that she knew about stitches, rows, bumps, lines, and posts - above all, counting each of them out carefully and correctly. Session after session, stitch after stitch, and row after row - they eventually completed a blanket to warm the patient's own bed.
Bea isn't a do-it-yourself psychoanalyst with a hidden therapeutic agenda, but studies indicate there are physical and emotional benefits associated with crocheting. The repetitive activity is meditative and can even lower blood pressure while soothing an anxious mind. Stress hormones are reduced, and the natural anti-depressant serotonin is released. On top of that, all the counting can serve as a purposeful and productive outlet for people with eating disorders. It all helps.
The nurse who sent in Bea's DAISY nomination had this to add, "We all try to know patients, but Bea takes it tot he next level. Some of our pediatric patients need a lot of support, and Bea provides the kind of encouragement that makes a great difference."
The craft of crocheting requires simple tools - sticks and string. But there are endless and complex possibilities of what might be accomplished with a teacher like Bea. And there's none more complex than a patient's well-being. Bravo to you, Bea Border. Thank you.
It's standard practice for Bea to take the time to get to know her patients as well as she can so that she can provide them with the most effective support possible. Some time back, a young female patient with an eating disorder struck her as being in particular need, so Bea made a special effort on her behalf. After several talks with the girl about her interests, the patient took up Bea's offer to teach her how to crochet.
So Bea dipped into her own pocket and bought all the supplies they'd need, they stayed on after her shifts ended so she could patiently pass along all that she knew about stitches, rows, bumps, lines, and posts - above all, counting each of them out carefully and correctly. Session after session, stitch after stitch, and row after row - they eventually completed a blanket to warm the patient's own bed.
Bea isn't a do-it-yourself psychoanalyst with a hidden therapeutic agenda, but studies indicate there are physical and emotional benefits associated with crocheting. The repetitive activity is meditative and can even lower blood pressure while soothing an anxious mind. Stress hormones are reduced, and the natural anti-depressant serotonin is released. On top of that, all the counting can serve as a purposeful and productive outlet for people with eating disorders. It all helps.
The nurse who sent in Bea's DAISY nomination had this to add, "We all try to know patients, but Bea takes it tot he next level. Some of our pediatric patients need a lot of support, and Bea provides the kind of encouragement that makes a great difference."
The craft of crocheting requires simple tools - sticks and string. But there are endless and complex possibilities of what might be accomplished with a teacher like Bea. And there's none more complex than a patient's well-being. Bravo to you, Bea Border. Thank you.