Laura jokingly refers to her style as "filling them with kindness". This is her humorous and modest attempt at deflecting credit for her exceptionally compassionate care. The Ortho Unit is very fast paced. A "spare" moment is a thing of myths. Yet Laura is not only able to provide excellent care, but is also able to carve out meaningful moments with her patients. As she provides the clinical care, Laura engages the patient as a person. She effortlessly and gently encourages the person to share some of themselves. She is able to learn tidbits that allow her to alleviate some of their anxiety.
A patient with multi-level spinal fusions is one of our most challenging patients. Laura goes in and kindly, calmly and sincerely tells the patient that the pain will get better. Yes, he will be able to work to walk. They will work together to help relieve much of the pain. The patient believes her, they feel safe, he is able to let go and allow her to minister care for him. He finds relief. And even if he is not pain free he knows that she has done everything that can be done, and he is grateful. As he leaves for home he, yet again wishes to commend Laura's excellent care. He describes her care as "fantastic" and mentions that she is now "like family". And so she makes a difference in yet another patient's life.