This is an example of compassion that I think often goes unrecognized because it is seen as a small gesture. I was in the pre-op area with Rita Putnam, and a female, elderly patient across the way screamed out while her nurse was starting her IV. It startled all of us, but Rita went right to the head of the patient to calm her, asking her to take deep breaths and holding her free hand, looking directly into the woman’s eyes as she spoke. Once the IV was in, it needed to be dressed and the patient kept wincing and saying she was Irish and had to let it out!

Rita, appearing to know just what to say to the woman, engaged her in the sweetest conversation, saying her parents were both from Ireland. The woman, distracted with this information, asked where they were from, how old they were, where they lived now… and Rita stayed with her, carrying on a calm conversation in a soft voice. The nurse tending to the IV was able to secure it and wrap the woman up in her blanket. The patient, relieved that the task was over asked in her loud Irish brogue, “Now where is the medicine man?!” referring to the anesthesia provider with some sedation! We all laughed, including the patient, enjoying the lightness of the situation.

Rita and I then left her in the care of the rest of her healthcare team. We can all provide safe care, ensuring the correct meds are given, and the consents are signed, but prioritizing the caring moments, never documented, such as this, is what makes the difference in quality care. Thank goodness for nurses like Rita Putnam.