In the TSICU Nick was one of the primary RNs for a 17 year old patient admitted after a car accident with a spinal cord injury and new tetraplegia. While the care of patients with this traumatic injury require immense emotional support as they learn how their life and independence is impacted with this limitation, they also require time and support to grieve their loss. Most importantly they need support and encouragement to see the possibilities that lay before them and how their life, with new limitations, will and can be successful.
Nick was integral in connecting the commitment and humanity of the nursing team to this patient and family. He worked to build and maintain a relationship with this patient and his parents with encouragement, kindness, and patient focused communication and connection. On the patient's last day in the hospital, prior to transfer to rehabilitation, Nick brought the patient a note signed by the nursing team and gift of encouragement from the team, a special tank top to look cool in rehab!
As I rounded with the patient and his family that evening, it was the first time I had seen this patient laugh and profess genuine excitement to get out of the hospital! His parents were emotional and honored by the thought and effort! Nick was the driver and energy to bring this energy and encouragement to the patient! We are looking forward to see him back in the hospital - as a visitor!