Here on 6B we orient between 8-12 new RNs each year. I watch each new nurse develop skills and confidence. One such new nurse, is Julia Vang. Julia has been with us less than one year, and she has been an amazing addition to staff. Julia is a powerhouse of energy and efficiency. She tends not only to her patients, to the entire floor. She runs to answer call lights, and is the first to volunteer to help a co-worker.

This past weekend, she demonstrated that we can be hard working, efficient, and complete our tasks with compassion. Julia's Sunday assignment began with 5 patients; she completed a discharge for one her patients and since a tech was not available to take the patient down to meet her ride, Julia asked me to cover for her so that she could escort her patient down to meet her ride. Julia was pushing a wheelchair in which sat the patient she had just discharged, and walking alongside her was another of her patients. Julie explained:

"Mrs. X is going to walk down with us, and I'm going to take her out to get a bit of fresh air."

Mrs. X has been with us for over a month. She has been medically stable for quite a while, awaiting placement, and has been very frustrated. Julia recognized how important this small outing would be for her patient, and took the extra few minutes to make it happen. Mrs. X was beaming when they returned to the floor.

Thank you Julia for all your hard work, for continuing to learn and hone your skills, and holding on to your compassion despite our hectic pace.