jennifer harper, MSN, BSN

In June a patient was admitted to TJC after a fall a few weeks prior while on a cruise with his wife. During his stay, the nurses made a connection with him and his wife. He stayed in the hospital over the weekend and mentioned to some of the staff that they were hoping to go home because he and his wife's 52nd anniversary was on the coming Monday. His nurse Shelley mentioned that it was the patients wedding anniversary.
Knowing that being in the hospital during such a special time could be difficult, Shelley, the PCC, and CD, Jennifer, sprang into action. The CD, Jennifer, went and bought some wedding themed cupcakes as well as an anniversary appropriate card that read "you make a perfect pear" that had a picture of two pears holding hands. They had all the staff sign the card, wishing them a happy anniversary. Shelley found wedding-themed music on her computer. Shelley, Jennifer and the PCC along with other available staff all went into the room together and wished them a very happy 52nd wedding anniversary. The couple was overwhelmed with joy and you could feel the love in the room. They were very grateful to have their anniversary recognized by a unit of associates that once seemed like strangers, but in a moment, they were friends and family.