A patient was admitted to MS3 with a very complex medical history and a challenging hospital course. As a team, we knew he would have a bumpy recovery. He was at a place in his life where various underlying ailments had begun to make themselves known and it was causing both the patient and his wife great distress. Due to her own medical issues, the wife could not stay at the bedside and tried to monitor his care remotely. The patient, it seemed, would require more therapy and treatment at discharge and planning for his eventual discharge was initiated.

As is our process, we attempted to contact his wife to ensure that all stakeholders were included in the planning. Despite several attempts, our team was unable to make contact. Concern and anxiety began to mount, and it was decided that a wellness check would be the appropriate course of action. Sadly, his wife was found at home deceased. The impact on the patient, and the team, can not be understated. It was a crushing development and we all found ourselves reeling. Needless to say, this sent the patient into a downward spiral and he began to lose some of the progress he had made.

Carrie, recognizing his pain, stepped in to be a lifeline. She sat at his bedside, allowing the patient to talk through his pain. He shared his thoughts, his fears, and wonderful memories of his wife. Carrie provided him with exactly what he needed, compassion and an open ear. Her patience and genuine expression of dignity was the life support the patient needed, and it helped to turn the tide. He became more engaged and talked of how he would get himself back up. Before leaving as his primary nurse, Carrie went to the gift shop to buy the patient a small plush animal. When asked about it, she stated, “I just wanted him to have something to hold.” In this and many other ways, Carrie has set and exceeded the expectations of what we hold in regard here at Soin. She is a true example of the power behind a healing touch.