I was working with a patient who was declining and had changed their code status to DNR earlier that day. The wife was at the bedside and very helpful with taking care of her husband (the patient). Whenever we had to turn or clean the patient, the wife would help. I had asked my wife if she needed anything, and she would politely decline.

Michelle covered my break, and when I returned, I found her in the patient room. I heard crying. It was the wife. Michelle gave her a hug and comforted her. Michelle stayed in the room another 15 minutes until the wife felt better and wanted to sleep (it was 3 a.m.). I asked Michelle what happened. She said she was rounding on patients, and when checking on this room, she started a conversation with the wife. She asked, "How are you doing?" Michelle was able to focus on the wife's needs and recognized her heavy weight.

Michelle taught me something very important that night. While we should also teach families how to care for their loved ones, we also need to be able to care for those same family members when they need help, physically, mentally, or emotionally. Michelle has always been a nurse leader and role model, but that night she defined compassion from one person to another during their time of need.