Recently, Gracie worked night shift. She spent her few brief breaks with a 14-year-old patient who had been in our E.D. for nearly a week waiting for an adolescent bed to open at another facility. During her break she was teaching the patient how to do origami. The time that Gracie spent with him was a highlight for the patient. The patient had no family to visit during his entire stay. The following night, Gracie brought in books, card games, toys, personal care items, a blanket, and more origami to help distract and entertain the patient. She spent over an hour of downtime playing with him, which improved his overall mood and helped with his anxiety over being stuck in a small room with no visitors or entertainment. Gracie also made sure he had a shower and took walks with her during his stay in the Emergency Department.

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Gracie also recently took excellent care of a very ill patient who would most likely die in the near future. She shared love and compassion with the patient as well as the spouse. When transport arrived, they refused to allow the spouse to ride in the ambulance. The spouse had no car, money, or family nearby. Gracie went out of her way to assist during this crisis. She paid for a ride for the spouse and also ensured he had breakfast. Gracie even stayed after her shift and talked with the spouse, allowing him to vent. This shows the selfless character that she continues to amaze me with.