Billy served as a nurse to a patient who stayed for the better part of a week on our Med/Surg floor. The patient commented that Billy was always cheerful and respectful. Billy anticipated what the patient needed before he even asked. Billy made sure that meds were given on time to keep the patient comfortable. He was compassionate to the patient beyond what was required of him. He engaged with the patient in conversation over things they had in common such as family and faith, and he took the time to explain things to the patient. No task was too small for Billy. He treated the patient like he was his only patient often dropping what he was doing to get the patient's dinner tray or even some chocolate ice cream.
The patient commented, "Although I know he has several patients assigned to him, he made me feel like I was special and the most important person under his care. Somehow, I have a feeling that all of the other patients under Billy's care felt that they too, were special and the most important patient on the unit." The patient said his time was difficult, but Billy made it better.