I experienced a most profound demonstration of empathy and compassion while working with Bobby Sederstrom, RN last week. Bobby was assigned to a Veteran who was ventilator dependent and experiencing extreme anxiety. As the patient desired to be alert for a family meeting that afternoon, it was decided that it would be best for the patient to forego his usual anxiety medications as they tended to make him lethargic.

The Veteran was very clear that he was feeling anxious on this particular morning. He asked for his nurse by name and stated, “I am anxious, Bobby. Will you please hold my hand?” Not only did Bobby fulfill this request, but he pulled up a chair so that he could sit with the Veteran and speak to him eye-to-eye. Bobby explained to the Veteran the importance of managing his anxiety this morning without taking medication that would make the Veteran sleepy. He encouraged the Veteran and reminded him that he was both strong and brave. He empathized with the Veteran's feelings and never once belittled his anxiety. He also took the time to remind the Veteran that he was there to support him. He stated, “I know that you have a lot on your mind today with this meeting coming up. I see you watching the clock. But I promise you this- I will not let you miss that meeting. I will make sure that you are awake and ready to participate in the call with your family and care team. Take any of that worry that you are feeling and put that on me. Your only job this morning is to rest and try to relax.” During all of this, the Veteran nodded his head. He was comforted by his nurse’s words and I even saw a tear roll down his cheek. Bobby reminded the Veteran of the strong connection between his mind and his body. The Veteran was encouraged to imagine himself in a place where he felt safe and calm. The Veteran noted that he wanted to visualize himself on the beach. Bobby shared how the practice of guided imagery had been beneficial for him personally and encouraged the Veteran to give it a try. It was a truly magnificent experience to be a part of this patient interaction with Bobby.

After leaving the patient room, I wrote a note to the nurse manager of SCI saying, “I do not know Bobby well. I am unsure of the strength of his clinical skills as a nurse. However, I can say with certainty, that he has the art of nursing down pat.” I was incredibly impressed with Bobby’s work with this Veteran and feel that he deserves to be recognized for his incredible service. He does not exemplify one of the principles that make him a DAISY Nurse, he exemplifies them all.