...On this particular morning, Susan was in Pre-Op getting a patient ready for surgery. This patient had just been diagnosed with a brain tumor on a Monday. It was just Thursday, and he was going into surgery. Sue is very empathetic and compassionate. She had the wife and family be with the patient in Pre-Op. She could sense their anxiety and distress. She took her time to explain and verify any questions they may have and make every attempt to lower their stress during a very difficult time. When the time was drawing closer to bring the patient into the OR, and many other staff (Anesthesia, OR & surgeon) were coming in and out of the patient's bay, she could sense the patient's and family's anxiety escalating. She was there with a calm voice and a reassuring touch. She truly felt she had bonded with the family and patient. This sense of bonding' was validated when the patient was out of surgery and in the PACU. Susan had communicated with the recovery staff the patient's and family's story, so we were aware of the stress they all were under (especially the family after hearing post surgery that the brain tumor was at a stage 4). Knowing how important it may be for the wife to see the patient sooner rather than later, I went out to have her come into PACU for a short time to see her husband. She was very nervous and not sure if she could keep it together. I said we would stay with her. I knew Susan had developed a good rapport with the family and proceeded to ask the wife if she would like the Pre-Op nurse to be with her when she went to see her husband. The wife smiled and said, "Could she? I would really like that." Susan did not hesitate and was eager to be there and provided the wife, family and patient much needed support and kind words.

This is just one example, this is what she does every day!