I was walking back to my office when a patient came out of her room wrapped in a blanket, incoherent. She walked quickly down the hall away from the nursing station. She did not make eye contact, mumbled, said she needed her meds (for UTI) she slid to the floor. Help arrived and she was greeted by Jill, our Charge Nurse. Still somewhat incoherent, she told Jill she wanted her meds. Jill, a former gifted psych nurse got on the floor in front of her spoke in a soft but firm non-threatening voice. She guided this mother into a plan including getting her meds and controlling her behavior. The interaction took 15-20 minutes but Jill's skill in diffusing this mother made the mother and staff feel safe. Jill set safe limits for the mother. She was compassionate, firm yet gentle. The mother responded positively and was able to regain her sense of self. The interaction, frightening for me but a well thought out process for Jill. Brought me to tears, thankful for my coworker.
What a blessing to have her on the floor and especially today.