Nancy demonstrated clinical skill, compassionate care, exemplary service and commitment to excellence. I would like to share a story about why this nurse is so special. Nancy is my preceptor. I was assigned to Mayo Clinic Health System in Sparta for my last clinical before becoming a registered nurse. Right away you know that Nancy is unique because she was chosen from the staff to be a preceptor. It is amazing that Nancy has been a nurse for 37 years. She is an example of what nursing is all about; sensitivity and concern for the whole patient's mind, body and spirit. Preceptors have a great responsibility to share with the future RNs the true art of nursing and I know Nancy is a true artist. Her work inspires me to do my best work, too. As an artist, Nancy uses her mediums of skills, critical thinking and compassion to promote the well-being of her patients and her fellow staff. She expects the best the best from her staff and she leads by example. She always takes her share of the work load even when she is assigned to teach students. Nancy's story is not one of spectacular heroics like saving a patient in respiratory distress or cueing in on the symptoms of a rare disease. Nancy's story is more impressive because it addresses on of the most challenging patients on the floor.

Nancy has a way of saving patients from themselves. For several weeks we have had several "swing bed patients" who were what you might call "difficult" or "needy" patients. The staff has been literally rushing through the halls answering the call lights for a pillow positioning or a removal of a tray (ten minutes after it was delivered) or to ask for fresh water because the ice was melting. Once a staff member is in the room, there are sundry other items that must be completed and a barrage of cares; needing pain medications and aches and pains. When questioned as to level of pain or location with the patient giving a vague and repetitious answers. Now, we all know that we need to listen to the patient and be concerned about their health and welfare. Furthermore, the staff is great at listening to and caring for the patients. I also know that despite the inconveniences, the staff will care for these needy patients because that is the kind of staff that works at Sparta.

However, there comes a time when one must search for other reasons rather than the ones stated above to the patient's reasons for seeking attention. The staff did and they will and they have searched for other reasons. At the same time, the staff is also concerned about other patients whose needs are not addressed because of the needs of these patients interfering with staff's ability to care for others. One patient in particular was exceptionally high maintenance on our busy surgical floor and Nancy knew how to help her.

Last night, this patient was having a difficult time, as usual. She requested several medications for pain that should not be administered at the same time and she was disappointed and distressed when she was told she would receive them as soon as it was appropriate to administer them. Apparently she had gotten in the habit of liberally administering her meds when she chose at home. It was not safe. That patient had been overly concerned about a family member who had an outpatient surgery for a minor problem. Our patient would not be comforted with a phone call by the staff and personal report (with permission) as to the minor procedure and its positive outcome. Again in as so many other days, nothing would comfort her. No one would comfort her until Nancy went and spoke with the patient. Nancy came armed with her dressing change materials and her compassion and her body language that spoke of acceptance and openness. Nancy asked the key questions that brought to surface the real anxiety. The patient spoke about her current health concerns and the possibility of more deforming surgeries. First, Nancy listened to the patient's many worries as she did her cares. As often happened, all the worries streamed out along with tears. Nancy helped her into bed, fluffed her pillows and went about straightening the patient's covers. As was her routine, the patient, now settled and comfortable, began to spiral into a litany of her troubles. This behavior was not therapeutic and often led to more tears and more distress which spiraled into a sleepless night for a weary patient.

Now, this is the part of the story where you see what makes Nancy so special. Other nurses had listened and talked with this patient, her family had discussed numerous times with the patient and so had her doctor. The difference is that Nancy is willing to listen again and ask a deeper, more personal question, one that touched the patient's true loneliness. Nancy asked her patient about her beliefs and how they fit into her patient's thinking. The patient answered the question with her own personal philosophy which resulted in her very own resolution. The patient believed that all these trials fall back to her Lord's will and faith. There was also hope that she would be healed through the present interventions of her care and her Lord.

A pause for thought, some peace for the patient and silence. Nancy gives a stroke from caring hands as with an artist's brush and her whispered good night are the finishing touches to her artist canvas.

Kind, knowing words that come from a plethora of nursing skill and care comforted a lonely and needy patient on a busy, rainy night. The price was a nurse's break time. I know that Nancy has the skills for detecting the first telltale changes in a patient's condition, of piecing together and reporting symptoms of possible infection and disease and most assuredly, the wherewithal to call and participate in a code. However the talent and artistry in which Nancy performs her care; the polish, the nurturing and skill that takes a good sketch and develops it into the masterpiece are what I see and her patients experience from this caring, concerned woman of service. The neat thing about Nancy's story is that her special story happens every day.