We had a previous patient on our unit that had been in the hospital for some time. She was a young woman, barely out of childhood, who had a trach, was vented, had a peg tube and a colostomy placed during her admission; she had been through so much during this hospitalization. Winta is relatively new to our hospital. She is a fantastic nurse. She had this patient a couple of times and got along with her well. This patient really desired a companion. She would ask for a sitter; she would use her call light to bang on her bed to get attention. Winta would always go into the room and talk with her. Winta would laugh with her and say things to make the patient smile. I work my three shifts a week consecutively as a NOC Charge RN. This particular week, Winta did not have this patient. In each of those three shifts, I observed Winta greet the patient, make time for patient conversation, connect with her, and give her a cool bed bath. This patient loved cool baths. I was impressed by Winta's compassion and positivity around and towards this patient.

What can I say about Winta's last shift that week? It was so touching. Winta came walking down the hallway with this big bunch of large balloons and a box. She went into the patient's room and placed the balloons down, as she didn't want to wake the patient at the time. Then Winta showed me what was in this box. She bought a bubble machine for the patient and thought it would be good for stimulation and would make the patient smile. Later that shift, we all witnessed the joy and laughter the bubbles and balloons brought the patient. She laughed so hard and was delighted to reach her hands out and touch the bubbles. I've honestly never seen a patient happier. It was beautiful. The patient bucked the vent with laughter, and we had to call the respiratory therapist...all for a good reason, though.