Susan worked a very busy night shift on January 1, 2014. She had five patients, including one transfer and one admission. The patient acuity on the unit was very high. On Thursday, January 2nd, day shift, there were only three nurses available to care for 17 patients. In spite of the long hours she had already worked, Susan volunteered to stay over on day shift and work until 11:30. Susan completed a.m. meds, VS and assessments on all of her patients. She also participated in MD rounds.

Dr. A asked her to participate in a very emotional, difficult conference with the daughter of a patient who was declining at 11:00 a.m. just as Susan was getting ready to give report and finish her extra long shift. Susan participated in the conference and then took the time to comfort and pray with her patient's daughter. I was very touched by Susan's compassionate care of this patient, his daughter, and all of her patients, though she must have been exhausted. Susan then faced a very difficult drive home all the way to Shirley, IN because it had snowed six inches over night, and the trucks had not been out to plow.