Imagine yourself confined on the bed, uncomfortable most of the time, unable to move due to excruciating pain all over your body. As a result, you cannot perform simple tasks like eating, grooming, and even breathing. 

The patient met Patricia Bouskill (Pattie) RN in our facility after sustaining multiple fractures from a fall. She must wear a stiff cervical collar to prevent further neurological injury, be repositioned at an exact angle, and move delicately to avoid intense pain. Her family is worried and helpless, watching her in this condition. 

Pattie took care of her for five consecutive days, and she made a goal to make a difference in her dreadful situation. Armored with twenty-plus years of critical care experience, she stood up to be the best advocate for her. She started by providing a never-ending reassurance that won their trust. Then, Pattie offered exemplary care to the patient and her family by thoroughly explaining things before executing and being present at the bedside during doctors' rounds. 

Finally, she gave clear instructions to other team members on how to properly reposition the patient less painfully and safely.

During the patient's stay in our unit, the doctors recommended that the patient undergo surgery to restore her usual function. It was a great sigh of relief to receive the news to help alleviate her suffering. However, she faced another obstacle: she couldn't have surgery due to insurance issues. The family was devastated as well.

Pattie remained calm for them and went above and beyond. On top of the meticulous care she provided for her patient, she made necessary calls to all the disciplines involved. She dug into the minor details to aid the Case Managers, Neurosurgeons, and IM doctors in developing a plan for the patient. After several days of careful deliberation, she was transferred to a different facility to receive the planned surgery. They left our facility with heartfelt gratitude for the utmost care they received from Pattie. 

Pattie is the true epitome of a dedicated and compassionate nurse. Her years of experience are a testament that she carefully nurtured her career by giving every patient the best care possible. Pattie intricately provides care by combining different strategies. In addition, she spends time with her patients and their families, motivating them to do things necessary for their recovery. But, most of all, she inspires everyone who strives to do the right thing and be the voice of those who direly need it. It's an honor to work with her most of the time, reminding us of why we became nurses.