Our medical unit cares for a large population of patients struggling with mental health. Patients in this state, lacking their normal function and thought processes, can be a challenge not only for themselves but for staff, too. Ryan continually demonstrates the values we strive for each day in our profession of compassion, integrity, excellence, and dignity.

One patient has been on our unit for more than two months. He has not left his bed or his room. He frequently declines care and acts out with undesirable behaviors, even hurting staff. Despite this, Ryan begins each day caring for him with a genuinely positive outlook, seeking ways to offer him dignity. Ryan created a game for this patient to play, who is known to throw items, and made paper balls and paper cups for him to throw into a garbage can. He used a glove to draw faces that the patient could blow up on his own. This seemingly small gesture allowed for the patient to have positive interactions, engagement, and allowed him to participate in something- anything- after being confined for so long. Though the patient was not able to express appreciation, he was cared for in a way that recognized him as a person first, without judgment or effects from his past behaviors. Ryan has a unique ability to nurture, connect, and protect others and exemplifies how far-reaching our actions can be.