As we all know in healthcare, not all our encounters with patients end as we would like. Mike has been a consistent staff member of the COVID unit since its inception. Today, we had a COVID + behavioral health patient leave AMA. Mike did everything he could, including talking with BHU providers, to encourage the patient to stay. When it was evident that this was not going to be the case, Mike then tried to ensure that he could provide the safest discharge possible to others on the unit. The patient did not have a ride and it was an extremely cold, winter day. The patient would not wait for staff to coordinate a ride for him. While not feasible, he even suggested that he could drive the patient to his destination. The patient did not have winter accessories, so Mike gave the patient his own and was able to get the patient to stay long enough to obtain some other donated winter items and needed medications.

This is just one example of the many examples of compassion that Mike demonstrates towards our COVID and complex patients from all walks of life. His actions demonstrate respect and dignity for human life and that Nursing is not a "job" but a calling for him. Thank you, Mike! - Jennifer Thoe