Living abroad is many times challenging due to the absence of a supportive family network. When the family is physically present, they can help us on the good days, but especially on the bad days. This situation involved a patient living abroad without the presence of family during a difficult situation.
I was heartened by the actions of my colleague Nurse, Parvin. When a patient was being cared for in the Emergency Department due to injuries sustained in a car accident, Parvin sensed something else. By using her excellent nursing skills, she was able to identify that the patient wasn't only emotionally affected by the sad circumstances but also by the impossibility of communicating with his family who lived in the Philippines.
Parvin promptly offered her personal mobile phone for the patient to make the international phone call. The patient was then able to call the family, reassuring them of the situation. It was astonishing to see how appreciative the patient was by this gesture and the happiness it brought to him. Throughout the patient's stay in the unit, Parvin was a true patient advocate, she made sure to follow up with the patient and that he was able to communicate with his family regularly.
This inspiring situation was a true example of holistic nursing care and unselfish behavior contributing to the wellbeing of another human being.