Recently, after the unexpected loss of a patient during shift change, Temo walked past a man sitting alone in the hospital lobby. He was crying while struggling to reach his family, getting voicemail after voicemail. Instead of going home after his 12-hour shift, Temo immediately recognized his pain and went to the emergency department nearby, brought him a box of tissues, and offered him a hug. Temo then pulled up a chair and stayed with him for hours until his family arrived. During that time, the man shared stories about his loved one: her upcoming birthday, her favorite hobbies, their memories together, and the heartbreak of losing another family member just months earlier.

Temo didn't do this because it was his assignment. He did it because of who he is; someone who shows genuine compassion in moments when it is needed most.

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Temo was an amazing nursing student and did an amazing job with the patients within the ICU. During his clinical rotation, I asked if he would like to place an IV on one of my patients who needed more access. He was more than happy to help and gladly stepped away from me to perform the skill. What I did not expect, however, was his personal touch to care and the deep compassion he exemplified in the time he spent with my patient. My patient expressed repeatedly how much it meant to him that someone sat and talked with him.

While Temo did an exceptional job of functioning in the critical care setting, the skill you cannot replicate is his human touch and compassion. Temo is an amazing student nurse and will, without a doubt, continue to impact many lives in the future.