Ace was caring for a pediatric patient with suicidal ideation with a long history of trauma. The minor patient was estranged from family and nearing a birthday during hospitalization. Ace took the time to explore the patient’s needs and concerns beyond the mental health care the patient was receiving. He could enter into a discussion with the patient about their spiritual needs, and their desire to speak to Chaplain services.

Later, Ace reflected on how much a nurse is allowed to share their own spiritual understanding when asked by patients. I sat quietly and asked Ace what he thought. He discussed the challenges these questions pose for him and how to stay true to his own values while not making the conversation about his own understanding. Ace recognized that these questions patients pose are a reflection of the patient’s need and desire for comfort on a spiritual level. He intuitively addressed that need by bringing in Chaplain services for the patient, who afterward expressed to Ace a feeling of greater peace amongst the challenges they were facing.

Later on, Ace was involved in birthday preparations for this patient planned by the nurses on the unit as this patient would be celebrating a birthday with their family. Ace provides genuine attention and care to all aspects of a patient’s suffering, in addition to providing high-quality and diligent attention to detail in his nursing care. I am excited that Ace will be representing St Martin’s University as a nursing graduate who demonstrates the core values of our school.