When I think of Renate, her bright personality comes first to mind. I have been here a very long time (170 days and counting) and I don't think they will let me leave. She is friendly and open-minded to talk to. She comes and talks with me. She will do anything for me. She asks me, instead of telling me what to do, and I make the decision. Even though she does not have too much time to talk, Renate always makes time for me and lets me talk as much as I want.
I look forward to seeing Renate. On days she is not my nurse, she will swing by to say "Hello" and ask how I am. She will even sit down and talk with me at my table or on my bed. I consider her a friend.
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This patient is very complex and challenging to staff. He has had a companion/sitter since hospital day 4. He can become extremely agitated at times making demands and storming off Gibson to leave MMC. He has had over ten code greens on Gibson, and challenges staff every moment of every day. His prognosis is good but due to mental illness, his decision-making has deemed him incapable of making his own decisions. The family is involved at a distance, therefore we receive little assistance.
Renate is the nurse the patient can relate to. He will do almost anything she asks. The patient needs constant direct reinforcement. I have witnessed Renate be very frank with him. She then allows him to vent his frustrations and listen to his solutions. She will then re-direct why he is here and offer compassionate solutions. Renate and the patient work as a team together to promote a safe environment for everyone involved in his care. She has never said "No", she allows the patient to voice his concerns and will compromise with him in a harmless manner, allowing him to think he's in full control.
One early morning the patient was way out of control, we had to call security, and all staff was on deck- the tension was high on Gibson. Other patients felt the situation as well. Some patients even offered to help because he walks around the unit saying hi to everyone having conversations when appropriate. Renate quickly came up with the best solution to occupy the patient. The patient is an artist who loves to play his guitar and draw. Renate printed out pictures of animals, scenic scenes, and people; she provided colored markers. The patient made a sign for his room, "The patient's Room", and he tells everyone, come to my room, my name is on my door. With the name on his door, he is able to remember which room is his, a great visual tool. To this day when the patient gets agitated and we are unable to re-direct we can always say, "Let's go color a picture". I have the best picture. The patient has colored hundreds of pictures for the staff and patients. This makes him feel good about himself, also allowing staff to take care of him.
Renate's compassionate care and understanding of his disease process has made all the difference to the patient's care. He looks for Renate when out walking the unit; she is a calming presence for him. Her kind calming ways provide a security blanket for him. Renate's skill and compassion help him greatly but also trickle down to help the greater good of the Gibson Pavilion when staff can engage in a less stress-induced environment from constant escape attempts. When she is around, he does not get agitated. Renate's exceptional leadership, compassion and integrity make her an outstanding nurse for the work she has done with him over the past 170 days and counting but also with the many other patients she cares for day to day.