January 2021
Matthew
Minssen
,
RN, BSN
Cardiovascular Intermediate Care
Oregon Health & Science University
Matthew's voice was confident, calm, reassuring, and caring.
Matthew floated to the OCU and was assigned a very difficult patient who was upset about her pain regimen over the past two days. The patient yelled at him repeatedly and even had her sister calling the unit. Matthew was working with the covering nurse practitioner trying to deal with the patient. What was impressive about his care was how he spoke to the patient. His voice was confident, calm, reassuring, and caring. Although he was frustrated about the situation as he spoke to the patient, he did not show it. He actively listened to the patient and she did get the medication she wanted, which removed her pain. I have seen many nurses lose control in this kind of situation and show their frustration to the patients. I cannot say how impressive his bedside manner was and how he treated the patient with the utmost respect in a time of crisis for the patient and her family.