I have observed Lauren do many wonderful things for her patients and their families, but this day, in particular, exemplifies the true nature of Lauren's abilities as a caring compassionate nurse who treats the whole person, body, mind, and spirit. A patient was in a room far from the nurse's station; she was a high fall risk, confused from a diagnosis of dementia, and agitated to the point of not being able to stay in bed. The patient hardly slept the past several days and nights. Unfortunately, census did not allow us to move the patient closer to the nurse's station at that time.
Lauren acknowledged that her patient was at such a high risk of falling she immediately formulated a plan. Lauren went back to the basics learned in nursing school, which really wasn't that long ago for her. To prevent anything from harming the patient and to keep the patient safe, Lauren moved a comfortable recliner out into the hallway and sat the patient in the recliner with a chair alarm for added safety. But that wasn't all she did to keep her patient safe. Lauren moved her work station to the computer on the wall right next to her patient. Almost immediately, the patient's agitation decreased, she started talking to others in the hallway, and she did not attempt to get out of the chair. Lauren knows the importance of mobilizing patients to prevent worsening medical conditions. The patient ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner sitting up in the chair while surrounded by other team members who engaged her in conversation about anything and everything under the sun.
Lauren kept the patient occupied with walks through the hallways, Happy Hands, repetitive tasks such as folding washcloths, and even used her Spotify account to play some of the patient's favorite Motown tunes. The patient danced in the chair as she listened to the Jackson 5, Temptations, Stevie Wonder, and The Supremes. Everyone could see the excitement as she listened to the music that brought her back to a time she remembered and loved to talk about!!! If she had the strength to get out of the chair and dance, I believe she would have. It was such a happy and positive environment that I wanted to pull up a chair and hang out with Lauren and her patient.
Lauren continued to show patience and kindness toward her patient by answering the same questions over and over, even though they were asked just minutes before. Lauren's voice never wavered from the calm and gentle tone she uses with all of her patients. After a long and tiring 12 hour shift we all went home and returned the next morning to find out that Lauren's patient had slept all night. The patient did not attempt to get out of bed, did not need to have restraints applied, and most importantly did not fall. This is a great example of keeping a patient safe, while promoting independence and maintaining dignity. Lauren could not have done a better job at all three. We are fortunate to have such a caring coworker as Lauren and I am proud to work beside her on 9 South.