October 2011
Rachel
Merryman
,
RN
Psych Med Unit
Mercy Health Saint Mary's
Grand Rapids
,
MI
United States

 

 

 

On one particular night an assignment was quite difficult. One patient had already fallen. Another, who was a high fall risk, had been trying to get out of bed multiple times. Many staff had become very irritated with this particular patient; however, Rachel sat with this patient and provided a calm, caring environment while other staff were dealing with other urgent matters. Even though this patient was combative at times, her calm approach easily redirected him. Christopher Jones, RN felt that at that moment she was the best person to help the patient. Given the circumstances, she was very compassionate and kept the patient from potentially escalating further. She exemplified what a compassionate, caring nurse should be, never forgetting that we are for the patients no matter how sick or difficult they may be.