December 2017
Manuel
Bastardo
,
RN
Cardiovascular
University of Missouri Health Care
Columbia
,
MO
United States

 

 

 

Manny was caring for a patient with a poor prognosis. Despite the patient's outlook, Manny was able to help him move forward by providing compassionate care and writing a heartfelt letter to the patient.
"Life is full of obstacles, but each one of them teaches you to be stronger and persistent," Manny said to the patient in the letter. "Please, don't give up. … Today, you changed my life, and I am so thankful for it. I promise I won't let you down."
I sat with tears in my eyes after reading the note and listening to the patient say that today, Manuel changed his life. Because of who Manny is and the time that he took out of his busy shift to spend time with his patient, he says that in spite of his poor prognosis, he is now able to move forward with hope and determination.