Teleisha S Mintoboyd
September 2025
Teleisha S
Mintoboyd
,
MSN, FNP-BC
ICU
James J. Peters VAMC
Bronx
,
NY
United States
It was a powerful moment for everyone on the unit, witnessing how a little compassion and additional effort could transform a patient's experience. Teleisha's ability to connect with patients on a personal level is a testament to her dedication as a nurse. She goes beyond merely treating symptoms; she cares for the whole person.
As a fellow nurse in the unit, I have had the privilege of working alongside Teleisha for the past two years. One particular situation exemplifies her exceptional care and the profound impact she has on our patients. Last year, we admitted a critically ill patient following an AAA repair, who had a poor prognosis and coded multiple times during his first week in the ICU. Teleisha was frequently assigned as his primary nurse, and I witnessed her tireless efforts to stabilize him while advocating for his needs. Despite his sedated state, she greeted him with a warm smile and made sure he felt seen and heard. As he began to stabilize, he became anxious and frightened, overwhelmed by his condition and the unfamiliar hospital environment. Teleisha took the time to build a rapport with him from the very beginning. This patient was in immense pain due to his open abdomen and several necrotic wounds that had developed during his stay. Teleisha was diligent in advocating for an effective pain and anti-anxiety medication regimen. One evening, the patient became restless and began to hallucinate. Teleisha observed that he would immediately calm down whenever someone was at his bedside to talk with him. Recognizing this, she devised a plan to help him relax enough to sleep for the night, which is crucial in preventing ICU delirium. She made it a point to stop by every hour to chat with him until 10 PM, sharing snippets about her day even when he didn't respond. She also played his requested music nearby to soothe him. By 10 PM, she would administer sleep medication, allowing him to settle down and finally rest. The joy and relief were palpable as he began to smile for the first time since his admission. Teleisha frequently reminded him of his family and encouraged him to focus on his recovery by recalling the stories he had shared with us. It was a powerful moment for everyone on the unit, witnessing how a little compassion and additional effort could transform a patient's experience. Teleisha's ability to connect with patients on a personal level is a testament to her dedication as a nurse. She goes beyond merely treating symptoms; she cares for the whole person. Her actions not only made a significant difference in this patient's care but also inspired me and our entire team to approach our patients with the same level of empathy and commitment. In our fast-paced environment, it's easy to overlook the small, meaningful gestures that can have the most profound impact on a patient's journey. Teleisha reminded us of this invaluable lesson.