Deniece works as a nurse apprentice in our unit. She comes to work with a bubbly energy and she is always willing to learn, help the staff, and give genuine care to our patients. One time, an 89-year-old female came in due to altered mental status and she keeps forgetting the words she needs to say. The patient usually refuses treatments unless a family is in the room.

Deniece starts doing her assessments but the patient wasn't able to fully cooperate due to her changes in cognition. Deniece then asked the patient if she could speak any other languages and fortunately, Deniece speaks and understands the same language as her. Deniece helped the patient communicate with me (the primary RN) and Deniece explained the importance of the medications and care we needed to provide for her. Since then, the patient was very involved and compliant in care.

Deniece was able to take care of her during the holidays. She got discharged before New Year's. Unfortunately, Deniece was not on schedule that day. The patient asked me to relay her message and thank Deniece for being supportive and for always sharing funny stories and laughter during her stay. The patient said she never felt alone and weak when Deniece was taking care of her. I admire Deniece’s compassion in her career and I can’t wait to work with her as an RN in the future.