Wally always goes above and beyond in helping everyone in the ED. He doesn't wait to be asked to help them. Most important, the care and compassion Wally shows to his patients during and after their ED stay is beyond admirable. I have seen him on multiple occasions, on his own time, go visit patients that get admitted; patients that he may have only had for a short time, but he came to care for them in that small amount of time. Wally's compassion for his fellow co-workers and patients is truly inspiring.

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Wally was recognized by his peers at the daily MDI huddle for his kindness and compassion for a patient who was put on a plan for palliative care. This was a young man; a single dad of 2 young children with no Significant Other or family. He had lung cancer and his cancer had spread. He was in significant pain. His story touched everyone in the ED that night.

When Wally was asked about his care of the patient, he stated "I didn't do much. I listened, showed empathy, and compassion." Wally shared that the patient was so humble and nice...that he was so accepting of his diagnosis and had a very positive outlook on his situation. Wally described the situation as surreal. Wally went on to share that he will never forget that patient and how happy he was to have been a part of his care". Wally's caring continued the next day as he went up to visit that patient in his hospital room.

Emergency can be a hard place to work with difficult and demanding patients; fast paced and multiple priorities. Wally took the time to listen, hold a hand, shed a tear and be present during a devastating diagnosis. I'm sure the patient was as touched by Wally as Wally was to him. This is one of the moments in this nurse's career that will be cherished and remembered.