We had a very complex patient with a variety of psych issues who was here for at least 3 weeks. Staff were all exhausted physically and mentally related to how difficult her behaviors were to manage. One day last week the patient became completely out of control, so Roberta (the charge nurse) took over the care of this patient so that the floor nurse could provide care to her other assigned patients. I learned later that Roberta not only volunteered to take the patient the next day, but bought the patient a new pair of pajamas, took all of the patient’s very dirty clothes home and washed them and took home the patient’s broken glasses to get them repaired for the patient.
Roberta demonstrated compassion that went well above the call of duty doing everything possible to keep the patient safe, clean, and comfortable when everyone else, was finding it hard to display compassion for this very difficult patient.