I saw Carmel Bocage, RN, from L&D, last week pushing a patient who was on a stretcher in trendelenberg. She stated she was "giving her a tour" and "taking the scenic route from Dr. Miller's " clinic back to L&D--she was coming from the direction from the front of the hospital with Dr. Miller's office next to L&D. This patient had been admitted several weeks ago and placed in trendelenberg because she was only 24 weeks gestation with an incompetent cervix.
A little while later Carmel came to our unit looking for shampoo and a blow dryer. She stated she was going to give this patient a spa day since she had been here so long and she hadn't even washed her hair in over three weeks. "I'm going to give her the works--total bed bath, hair shampoo and style, back massage, and leg massage." (Carmel has given me neck massages in the past after an injury and I would give my right hand for one of her massages--they are so fabulous!!! I gave her some shampoo that I keep in my locker for our patients who forget or don't think about bringing shampoo. Carmel continued on her mission to gather supplies for her spa treatment. She walked back onto our unit again this time carrying a small bottle of baby powder she had purchased from the gift shop since there was none on the unit and none in the comfort closet. When someone asked Carmel what was she doing she stated, "patient Care!"
This patient was truly rejuvenated by this wonderful care Carmel gave to her that day. While on the stretcher touring the units, Carmel stopped with her at the nurse's station to introduce her to the nurses that will care for her after she delivers. This patient was smiling and very appreciative of everything Carmel did. I felt this was above and beyond caring for this patient. Carmel went out of her way to help this patient feel better about herself and hopefully forget for a few minutes the stressful time she is going through.