Suzanne Rhodes

Suzanne Rhodes displayed exemplary care and compassion that extended beyond the typical expectations of a student nurse. During a clinical day, Suzanne Rhoades witnessed a person leave a patient’s room, stepping to the side of the door so that they would be out of the patient’s view, and began to cry. Suzanne did not know the patient, the family member, or what had led to the scenario that she was witnessing. She knew that this person needed to be consoled. It was her instinct, her compassion, and her empathy for others that compelled her to walk to the distraught family member, to introduce herself, to offer assistance, and to give her a hug.

Eventually, the family member began to talk with Suzanne and to share the cause of her tears. Suzanne’s instinct to step beyond the expectations of a student nurse and to veer away from her patient assignment is an example of exceptional compassion and care for others.