Brianna Burmeister, there are many reasons you are an asset to our 7th Floor team, but the care and kindness you showed to our long term patient in room 711 is something I hope you are always proud of. From decorating his room for Christmas to simply being a reassuring voice for him in times of need. You took the time and effort to get to know him so you could communicate more effectively with him. You are someone who made his time here more enjoyable and someone he looked forward to seeing. Not only did you have an impact on him, you had an impact on his family. You gained their trust, which made it easier for us as a team to care for him. The trust and communication also made it easier for you to know when and how to advocate for him.

Thank you for having the conversation with him about what would be important to him culturally. Because of that conversation, we were able to make the smudging ceremony happen and I know that meant so much to him and his family. This also created a great learning opportunity for our team. Good deeds have a ripple effect, and that was definitely one of them.

Earlier today, we learned he passed away and the emotions that came from hearing that news, tell me how invested you still were in his care even though he was no longer a patient on our floor. Being a nurse is a hard and sometimes thankless job, so we are taking the time to say – thank you!