The acuity on this unit was especially high with multiple emergencies occurring when an elderly man was admitted for a STEMI. Amina happened to be the charge nurse. It was apparent that this patient was overwhelmed and scared. The cardiology team spent a long time attempting to explain to the patient the severity of the condition and the need for him to go to the cath lab emergently. Ultimately the patient declined and the team left.

I came back several minutes later and Amina was in the room speaking to this patient. In the middle of a chaotic day, she chose to sit on the edge of the patient’s bed and connect with him in one of the most compassionate interactions I have seen to date. Amina validated his feelings while gently explaining to him why we all felt that it was important for him to go to the cath lab. She held his hands, looked him in the eyes, and promised him she would be there for him after the procedure. The patient agreed to go to the cath lab and the team came back to consent him. He didn’t arrive back to the unit until after Amina’s shift had ended, but regardless of that, she was there to greet him when he was brought back to his room. Amina kept her promise!

This is a true example of a nurse who chose to focus on what is most important in our profession, even in chaos. Amina chooses to be a fierce advocate for her patients every day. This is just one example of how she goes above and beyond to care for our most vulnerable patients.