Stephanie went above and beyond normal ICU nursing to help provide a patient with high-quality care despite not being the nurse assigned to the patient. This particular patient was having issues with pain control from a chronic condition, plus confusion during his stay in the ICU. Narcotic pain medications were used sparingly to help prevent further delirium. The non-narcotic pain medications that were prescribed were not effective enough to achieve adequate pain control for the patient; Stephanie was discussing what else could be used to manage the patient’s pain and suggested Toradol.

The patient’s nurse contacted the physician and obtained an order for the medication. Soon after giving the patient his first dose, he reported his pain was greatly improved and appeared more alert! After controlling his pain, the patient was able to be more comfortably bathed, the sheets changed, and he was helped into a comfortable position in bed. Stephanie stayed at the patient’s bedside chatting with him and discovered he loved music, specifically Aretha Franklin. Stephanie was able to play Aretha’s album for the patient while he relaxed and sang along. By the end of the shift, the patient was making conversation and joking with his nurse and Stephanie. I believe Stephanie made an incredible positive difference to the patient that night and provided him with more than just care for his illness but for his soul also.