A diagnosis of mental illness often shuts down communication, and there is often an aura of "unreachable" when an individual is acutely ill. When S came onto the unit she exemplified a communication shut down, she seemed like someone we just could not reach. Lindsey Boe worked tirelessly to make a connection with S. Offering to be assigned to her for every shift she worked, talking with her daughters to create a care plan that would support S's unique needs.

Lindsey created a "safe zone" for S during her 6 month stay with us. She went as far as including all her beloved stuffed animals in her routine, and listing the names and descriptions for each so other staff caring for her would know which friend she was requesting. Lindsey worked with dietary to set up meal plans to ensure proper nutrition including her favorite foods. She arranged for her to have music and television shows she enjoyed and often brought her special gifts. Lindsey and S formed a unique bond. Seeing them together exemplified what relationship based care is all about.

On a Friday afternoon S was offered a long term care bed. I called Lindsey and broke the news to her while she was at a training class. Lindsey immediately offered to travel with S, despite it being her Friday night off, and started writing down everything one might need to know when caring for S. Lindsey then rode with S to her new home, silently endured motion sickness the entire way, and helped the nurses get her settled, explaining the specific routines that would make the adjustment go smoothly.

Lindsey shows a deep seeded, compassionate spirit to combat the stigmas surrounding mental illness and strive to make the nursing profession work outside the box with our normal workflow. The difference she made to S's life is an astounding accomplishment and made such a difference for this patient and her family.