A Veteran was in for a routine, elective cataract extraction with an intraocular lens implant, which was done using a block. After the case began, the Veteran was agitated and could not follow directions. He kept moving his head and lifting his arms to his head into the surgical field. Multiple verbal attempts by the team were made to redirect the Veteran, and medications were given that seemed to create further agitation.

A second circulating nurse was called in to assist. She first asked to get the Veteran’s hearing aid from prep and recovery, then put the Veteran's hearing aid in and proceeded to verbally coach the Veteran throughout the remainder of the surgery. To do this, she knelt on the floor, under sterile drapes very near the Veteran's ear; rubbed the Veteran’s shoulder and gave reminders with a calm voice to remain calm and still.

This went on for about 45 minutes until the surgery was complete. These acts allowed the Veteran to remain perfectly still for the remainder of the surgery. The Veteran was able to follow commands and remain with a block rather than general anesthetic. This scenario was a shining example of integrity and compassion displayed by Pamela Schultz who has been delivering this level of care to Veterans for 34 years.