Sylvia J Heller, Registered Nurse

Recently, Acute Care had a severely demented patient on the unit. This patient was very combative along with verbally abusive towards all staff, regardless of the care she was receiving. After several months of witnessing many different staff work with this patient, it was Sylvia’s behavior and mannerisms with this patient that set her to a different standard. Sylvia would walk into this room in the morning with a kind, gentle tone and sing to this patient. I noticed this patient smile for the first time. Not just any smile, but a kind smile, one that showed tenderness. This may not seem like a big deal or accomplishment but let me tell you this was huge! This set the patient's tone for the rest of the day. Sylvia’s approach, kindness, and way of showing this patient that she is a person, she is cared for, she is loved, will always stick with me.