I’ve noticed that most students are intimidated when it comes to mental health nursing and interacting with the patients. Deontay Shaw is not like most students. From the start he has jumped right and given patients attention, compassion, and care. He also always shows up to clinical ready to learn and quick to ask questions to clarify and enhance his understanding of the material.

Deontay was working on an assignment with a patient and after collecting all the data required, he continued to stay and chat with the youth for about an hour. Deontay went above and beyond and helped the patient explore his issues and develop a plan for when things potentially do not work out again in the future. He sat with this patient in a manner and posture that displayed compassion, understanding, and caring.

Even after chatting with this patient for quite a while, when Deontay walked away from this youth, he noticed another who was looking down and crying. Deontay approached this young man on his own accord and asked if he wanted to talk about what was going on. The patient accepted his offer, and once again, Deontay lent his ears, his time, and his heart to help a teenager work through a difficult time.