Anytime a patient expresses their gratitude to nursing for the exceptional care provided, there is a common theme among all of the cards and compliments received. Every patient mentions the compassionate and exceptional care they received from Meng. Although being a male on a predominantly female unit may promote some very gender biased stereotypes related to men and women's expression of compassion, Meng's caring approach to his nursing practice defies all stereotypes. When he comes onto the unit wearing his white coat, he embodies the many positive qualities that define a nurse.
His colleagues appreciate his team support and easy going attitude. He often cares for the most challenging patients and creates a therapeutic relationship with them. He is culturally sensitive and proficient, putting patients at ease who may be experiencing feelings of frustration and/or bewilderment as they adjust to a different culture and language. Meng is familiar with this experience firsthand, as he worked as a nurse in Saudi Arabia. He is multi-lingual and is always happy to care for or translate for our Arabic speaking patients.
Before shift report, Meng will sit in the Reflection Room to meditate and focus on the upcoming work at hand. Afterwards, he receives his assignment and researches his patient's medical record, so as to not have any surprises regarding the patient's condition. Because he has a proven "pre-shift de-stressor" routine, he is able to start his shift calmly and happily. Because he isn't pressured or frazzled when he interacts with his patients, they sense his calm and are put at ease.
Meng listens with his heart and relates to patients on a personal level. Because he routinely pays attention to the "simple things", many patients have spoken of the positive impact Meng has had on their lives. One such patient comes to mind. J.T. was a patient on 11 West for 3 months and was confined to a wheelchair. He lived with the belief that he was incapable of ever living independently, which caused much anger and distress to him. His bleak outlook on the future translated into hostility directed at the nursing staff. Every nursing home refused to admit him because of his problematic behavior.
Meng had a unique approach with J.T. If the patient was acting particularly hostile, he would sit and have a cup of coffee with the patient, talking with him as a nurse and as a fellow human being- eye to eye. He made the patient a partner instead of an adversary which created a trusting and workable relationship with the care team. The patient developed positive and effective coping strategies from Meng's example of genuine respect and care.
When a new apartment came available that was able to accomodate J.T.'s wheelchair, Meng, like a composer in an orchestra, helped organize J.T.'s discharge, making sure that he would have the essentials to live independently, such as dishes and silverware. He strongly believed in the patient's ability to care for himself. Because of the faith and confidence that Meng so generously showed the patient, J.T. came to believe in himself and embraced his abilities. He was discharged to his apartment successfully and independently.
Meng might play guitar at his co-worker's retirement party or one may find him re-routing his kitchen plumbing. But one thing is for certain-one will always find Meng with a smile on his face, gratitude in his heart, a kind word on his lips, and compassion in his care. As a healer of hearts and bodies, Meng deserves the honor of receiving the Daisy Award. Thanks so much.