Our unit is currently caring for a young man with several chronic healthcare needs as well as limitations. He is blind and suffered a brain injury during his early life. When this patient was first admitted, he was easily agitated, becoming combative at times and many of the staff were becoming fearful of him due to his unpredictability.
Our team continued to work with this young man and several nurses developed a special bond with him and his mood has increased dramatically. His agitation and combativeness has also decreased tremendously. While many of the staff have helped with this progress, one nurse in particular really stands out to me as an amazing caretaker and friend to this patient. Her name is Molly Wharton.
Molly has been extremely patient with this young man, explaining everything she does before she does it and making sure he gets out of his room every day to take long walks as well as getting to order the food items he enjoys. On one particular afternoon during my rounds, I witnessed Molly and another nurse hanging cards in this patient's room. I asked where the cards came from and Molly told me his class had sent them. I then learned that upon receiving the cards, Molly took the time to sit down with this young man, reading each and every card to him. The cards contained sensory fabrics and papers so that this patient could feel what he couldn't see. These cards were made by other children especially for this patient with his sensory needs in mind. Molly and Julie hung the cards up on the wall in his room so that he could feel them and be reminded of the sweet messages he received from his class.
This kind, gentle and caring gesture probably meant the world to this patient. He smiles when Molly is around and when he goes on walks with her. Upon receiving more information about likes and dislikes from this patient's teacher recently, Molly brought out the items right away and let the patient play with the items the teacher had brought and helped tell others about the things he likes so that they could also be successful in caring for this patient and develop a great working relationship.
Molly took the time to create a bond with this patient, taking the time to understand his needs. I don't think she even realizes what a difference she has made during his stay here. He has improved so much and I truly feel that Molly was a big part in the change we are seeing.
Huge thanks to Molly for owning the moment and improving this patient's stay in addition to his well-being. I am so proud to work alongside such a great nurse and team.