Clare Connelly, MS, BSN, RN

Clare was on a call with a patient who was crying saying she had an accident in the bathroom close to a clinic office. The patient said she comes from out of town and was praying, "Dear God-let me get to the bathroom in time." She said she dropped her cane in the bathroom, put her coat and purse on the hook, and it was too late. She stated, "I was so embarrassed-it was horrible, and Clare was so kind." Clare comforted and reassured her she would get her help. Clare was able to call the clinic office and requested they meet the patient outside of the bathroom with scrubs letting them know of what had happened while ALSO staying on the phone with the patient so she wouldn't have to be alone until help arrived.

I witnessed this act of compassion and kindness as it was happening overhearing Clare’s comforting, kind, understanding words to the patient in her time of need. The patient said, "Clare was so thoughtful; I only had one hearing aide, so kind, and I was crying SO hard, I could hardly talk." She went on to say, "an award should be given to her. Iwas so desperate-I was hyperventilating-so thankful she was there for me!"