A call came into the ER alerting them a patient was inbound that was in desperate need of a bath and basic care. The patient was going to be transported to a long-term care facility as a result of an adult protective services call. The patient and family were developmentally delayed and unable to provide basic care. The report made it clear there would be bugs and filth. It was a severe case. A single nurse was willing to serve this patient with the help of this student nurse. This student nurse responded immediately to the physical, social, and emotional needs of the patient without hesitation. They were tender in their care, professional in their behavior, therapeutic in their speech, and reassuring throughout the entire process.

The patient didn’t understand what was happening to her or why it hurt so badly, but not once was she chastised or rebuked. Instead, the student nurse simply continued to speak gentle and reassuring words to her and tended to her wounds created by the bathing process. She provided safe and culturally competent care to a patient who had no one to care for her.