From the first moment that Susan Bass introduces herself to her patients, she shows that she is a warm and compassionate nurse. Susan looks at the "whole picture" of her patient. She reads their history and anticipates their needs before she even meets them.
There was one patient in particular who was really interested in "alternative medicine" and was not interested in taking their medication for bipolar disorder. Susan, being knowledgeable about "alternative medicine" as well as traditional medicine, used her compassion, knowledge, and understanding to work with the patient. She spent a lot of time with this patient, helping them understand the specifics of the medication as well as listening to the patient's view on medication. Susan was an advocate for this patient by discussing her concerns and her point of view with the MD's. Susan used empathetic listening to build a rapport with this patient and eventually helped them come to the conclusion that taking medication for their illness would be in their best interest. She instilled hope in this patient that she could have the best life that she could by combining "alternative medicine" as well as traditional medicine.
Susan always goes out of her way to help each patient individually and she sees them for the whole person that they are. She brings in items that she buys with her own money to cater to what patients need (anything from relaxation CD's, DVD's, to things that would make a patient feel better like a necklace). Susan enjoys making all of the patients on the unit feel comfortable and welcome. She makes them feel noticed and important, which can really make a difference to a patient during their hospital stay. I cannot think of anyone who deserves this award more than Susan. When considering all of the qualities that a nurse should possess, Susan is a nurse that encompasses them all.