Samantha and I work together on the Ambulatory Surgery Unit of the Lavin Pavilion. She truly went above and beyond for a patient and it reminded me of why we became nurses. We recently had a special needs patient here for surgery, with a medically ill parent.
After the surgery was completed the parent requested to stay overnight because they lived far from the hospital and were required to come back early the next day. This conversation started at 5 pm on Friday evening when most of our resources are unavailable. The physician had already informed the family that they would not be able to stay for "social reasons." I reiterated what the physician had said to the parent. The parent had few resources and could not afford a hotel in the area or the trip home and back. Sam reminded me of how hard it is to have a special needs child and even more difficult as an ill parent. She told the parent that she would work on options to help. She could have gone home for the weekend but decided to stay and figure out different options. She called multiple hotels in the area that appeared cheaper than the Worchester House, but in the end, Worchester House was the most affordable. Sam contacted the manager to see how we could help with parking and if a social worker could follow up with this family. I know the family was very overwhelmed and Sam's act of kindness truly helped ease some of that anxiety.
Sam reminded me of why we became nurses. Sam could have gone home to her family for the weekend but decided this was more important. We need more caring compassionate people like Sam.