Kayla cared for a patient presenting for a suprapubic catheter change. The patient lives in an assisted living facility, is wheelchair dependent, and has impaired capacity for self-care. The patient arrived to the clinic with bleeding open sores on her leg, and was disheveled and soiled. Kayla cared for this patient with exceptional grace and compassion.
I witnessed her gently cleaning the patient's leg wounds and the scene reminded me of Mary Magdalene anointing Jesus' feet. I was just an observer, but couldn't help but be moved by Kayla's tenderness and heartfelt care.
Kayla went on to change the suprapubic catheter and found the patient to have soiled her clothing. She would've ended up soiling the newly placed catheter if she'd replaced her clothing, so Kayla took it upon herself to use her break time and her own funds to go buy the patient a new pair of pants.
Kayla handled the entire encounter without complaint, attending to all of the patient's needs, and enlisted appropriate support to address the patient's home situation and ongoing care.
Kayla is an exceptional nurse and human being. I am so grateful to have her as my colleague!