Since my office is behind 2N, I frequently cut through the unit many times a day. On this particular day, I took note of what I considered an extraordinary show of compassion from Taneika. Taneika had been caring for a confused patient for a number of days. To ensure the patient's safety was maintained, the team decided it would be beneficial for the patient to have a chance to get out of her room, see something different, and stretch her legs.

That day, when I was cutting through 2N, Taneika was assisting that patient to eat lunch. But, instead of sitting bedside in the patient room, Taneika had brought the patient out to the hallway by the nurse's station. The patient had a recliner to sit in, her bedside table placed in front of her (both for ease of eating, but also to assist with safety), and Taneika on the other side of the table assisting her to eat. Taneika was using calm, reassuring language while encouraging this sweet lady to eat her food.

As a nurse of 11 years, there have only been a number of moments of compassion that caused me to pause, absorb the moment, and hold back tears of admiration. This was one of those. Taneika, thank you for your kindness, compassion, and dedication to the nursing profession!