During the snowstorm, the facility was open for surgical cases. Several cases had been canceled but there were those that had been completed prior to the weather taking a turn for the worse. One of our patients was in recovery and we received a call from the husband who was unable to make it back to the facility due to fallen trees and treacherous roadways. As the day progressed, conditions became even worse, and the patient was essentially stranded.

Patti committed herself to caring for the patient and tried to make every arrangement possible to get the patient home safely all to no avail. After discussion, it was determined the patient would be discharged but would stay at the facility to “hunker down” through the night until her family could safely arrive. Patti was the one who arranged for meals to be provided for the patient, assured that she was comfortable, and was afforded all the amenities of home (without actually being home). Furthermore, Patti committed herself to stay the night with her new ‘friend” to ensure that she was cared for and comfortable. She truly went above and beyond to make the best out of an otherwise dismal situation. Patti embodies the nature of what it means to be a nurse.