Stacey was taking care of a patient with a history of drug use (former not current). This patient, sadly, was stigmatized in the past because of this behavior; however, Stacey went above and beyond the "average" call of nursing to provide the best care for this patient. She took time to sit with her and provide her with resources to apply for LPN school, a dream of this patient's that she doubted she could fulfill. She offered her reassurance and support. She also sat with her to provide smoking cessation education. She had the patient's physician order nicotine patches to help her to stop smoking.
On top of this, Stacey then used her lunch break to go get the patient some small suckers to help with oral fixation while she proceeded with smoking cessation. Due to her history, Stacey spoke with Case Management and worked with the social worker who was tasked with the patient's case. Together, they reassured the patient that she was on the right path and doing the best thing for herself and her newborn. The patient was reassured.
This patient truly adored Stacey. It was a heartfelt dismissal when Stacey was able to send her home with her newborn in tow. The patient gave her a tearful hug and told her how much she appreciated everything she had done for her. She told her she had already been in contact with the school to begin the LPN program and that she dreamed she could one day be a nurse to support others in the way that Stacey had supported her. She thanked all of the nurses around her, but truly, Stacey was amazing. She passed absolutely no judgment.
On the contrary, Stacey recognized an individual who needed support and worked hard to provide her with all of the tools and resources she could to ensure her success after discharge. As the patient was walking away, she turned and told Stacey, "Thank you for believing in me when no one else has."