I am new to the Interventional Radiology Department and Joey took time to teach me how to use the ultrasound machine on a day we had several pediatric patients. Joey was patient, shared different tricks, and assisted me multiple times.

In addition to his excellent clinical skills, what was extraordinary about Joey’s practice was the compassionate care he provided. Although the patients were not assigned to him, he went out of his way to make them comfortable. One example that stands out is the IV placement for a nine-year-old patient. She was scared and crying due to the unfamiliar environment and prior painful IVs. Joey used humor, allowing her to squeeze his hands as hard as she could, and pretended like she was hurting him, which made her laugh. He told her jokes and brought her stickers, a warm blanket, a movie, and even a cookie. When the patient returned from her procedure and awoke, she asked for Joey. He had left for the day, but the patient remembered him and wanted to see him, a tribute to the connection between the two.

As nurses, we understand the nurse-patient relationship well and it was evident between Joey and this patient. I am honored to have witnessed Joey’s compassion in the work environment today.