Today, I followed Manny all the way down the hall with a patient's family. He was holding her belongings, which took two hands. As she was crying, he was helping her understand what the physician had just told her about the procedure her loved one had. He was explaining why the patient would need open heart surgery and what that meant. Reassuring the family member that sometimes it is the best case scenario to have surgery and have it all fixed. He walked her all the way from the waiting area for cath lab back to short stay so she wouldn't be alone as she took in the news. She needed a restroom. He walked her to the restroom and held her belongings for her. He then walked her to her loved one, still reassuring her of the process and what it means.

Sometimes procedural area nurses don't have what you may think of as "touchy-feely" moments with patients. Their job is EXTREMELY important, but not what someone always thinks about when they think of the word nurse. They are there to help protect and speak for the patient when they are unable to. They watch their vitals, sedate and keep them comfortable and even help physicians make decisions during procedures. They keep them safe and are, at times, the voice the patient does not have due to sedation. Manny is a wonderful example of this. Although he is newer to the Cath Lab, he is doing an amazing job. Anyone who has worked with Manny would tell you that he is great to work with and does a great job, no matter the task. Today, as I watched Manny with the patient's family, I was proud. I was proud to see the nurse he is, how I've watched him grow over the last few months, to be his coworker, and excited to see what else is in store for him. When that family member looks back on today and remembers one of the scariest days of their life, I have no doubt they will also remember Manny and his sweet spirit.