I have witnessed a specific nurse on my unit go above and beyond for patients each and every shift. Stephanie Karch always gives top-notch care to her patients making sure she follows all protocols and procedures. This week, Stephanie had a patient with special needs and was nonverbal. She took it upon herself to contact the family to discuss the patient's likes and dislikes. She found out which way he comfortably liked to be positioned and what types of tv shows or networks he liked. The family provided disco ball lights for the patient and Stephanie took time each shift (even when he wasn’t her patient) to go into his room and play music he seemed to love. Each night she put time aside to make the patient's night by having a little dance party with him. I would see the patient’s face light up with joy. He seemed to really enjoy it. Stephanie was very pleased and so excited to care for this patient. The family member of this patient even expressed to Stephanie on the phone how happy she was to have her caring for her brother because she can tell how excited she was to care for him.

Stephanie goes above and beyond doing little tasks as such on the daily but with this specific patient, she did far more than was needed. Many times I will see nurses just doing what is their basic job requirements with patients who are nonverbal but not with Stephanie. This is just one example in which she has gone beyond what was asked of her. I feel she should be recognized for her endless thoughtfulness and dedication to the patients. I am proud to work alongside a nurse like her.