I would like to recognize Deb for going above and beyond her role in caring for her patients. Deb works on a unique unit (Behavioral Health Unit) where patients do not have easy quick access to contact and update family through the internet. As we were walking in the hall, Deb saw a patient who is not part of her assignment today and told him she had something for him. She then proceeded to give him a whole booklet of stamps. His face lit up and he excitedly walked back to his room with his stamps. I was surprised and inquired regarding the stamps. She stated that he loves to send letters to family and has some interesting drawings that he also mails out. He does quite a few of them and loves to get them out to let his loved ones know how he is. She stated that she just buys them (out of her own money) for him because she knows how much it means to him and how greatly he appreciates it.

It is not uncommon that she goes out of her way to make sure the patients have what they need, she has even brought in reading glasses for another patient. She says in the grand scope of things it’s just a little something that she can give but the feeling she gets seeing them happy is a greater reward. As she talks about her patients you can see her passion and her dedication to go above and beyond for those that may have difficulty expressing themselves. She is an amazing nurse and I am glad I was with her that morning because her passion is infectious.