A very young female patient who was severely depressed, and hadn't had a kind gesture in a long time, was assigned to our nurse Jaclyn. After ensuring all her critical healthcare issues were addressed, Jaclyn then sat down to talk to her. After many discussions, Jaclyn took her under her wing and provided what could be considered simple gestures of kindness, often taken for granted. To show her patient that others can be caring too, Jaclyn bought some items to help bring her comfort: clothing, toiletries, teddy bear, and a soft blanket. The patient was very reluctant to engage in any efforts of personal hygiene, yet Jaclyn was able to convince her to shower; even providing a nail spa day for her!

Jaclyn was also very proactive in enlisting her patient to trust other healthcare disciplines: social services, dietary, and counselling services, even staying with her during needed medical procedures. To aid with incorporating her educational needs, she gave Jaclyn permission to reach out to her school and start arrangements to provide needed books and/or assignments. In truth, all patients need the care nurses provide, yet Jaclyn’s actions truly demonstrated an outstanding compassion and care for her patient. Jaclyn was able to see her patient in a holistic way, an ideal common to nursing practice which advocates healing the whole person as its goal, and not just the physical body. Jaclyn’s unique care also provided comfort for her patient's mind, body, and soul. Jaclyn is a great example for her fellow nurses to care for each patient as a whole and being authentically present for them while in your care.