Our unit had been caring for a 3-year-old male patient for an extended period with no parents at the bedside over the past 2-3 weeks. He was miserable and craving whatever attention or interaction we could provide. Over a very busy weekend, Suzanne took it upon herself to personally care for him and all his needs. He got lots of snuggle time over both nights and plenty of much-needed rest. It was the happiest, most contented I had seen him overnight. It was heart-warming to see the two of them interact, and put a smile on my face each time I saw the two of them together.
Suzanne's giving completely of herself to his needs filled a void so desperately needed by him that we found difficult to offer over two very busy, trying nights on the unit. She provided him with lots of personal interaction on a physical, verbal, and emotional level, making him smile, laugh, and feel comforted. His ability to remain calm and sleep most of the night greatly reduced the stress level for him and for all of us. Suzanne's selfless actions were truly inspiring and represented the very best of what Pediatric Nursing is supposed to look like.