She represents the art and skill of nursing! Not only does she have the knowledge and skill to manage the sickest of patients, but she also possesses the unique quality of the “art of nursing.” She is compassionate, empathetic, and relatable to her patients. She provides a comforting smile and personality that exudes to the patient and family-- “I really care about you and getting you better to go home.”
This past week I witnessed such an act. She was taking care of a patient who had been in CVICU for over 45 days. This patient has been very sick and on numerous occasions was thought not to make it through. The patient has a very committed and doting spouse that at times has been a challenge. The patient has slowly improved but has become confused and depressed. She took the initiative to get the patient out of bed and coordinated to get him outside in a reclining chair. This time-consuming act, to most, would be unthinkable—undoable—and totally out of the question, but was a goal for her. She coordinated efforts to give this gift of fresh air and sunshine to a patient that still has an undetermined prognosis. I was inspired by this act, as in this time of staffing challenges, she could easily have compassion fatigue, but thought more about helping her patient.