Our unit admitted a male patient for a prosthetic joint infection. This patient has undergone months of antibiotics and multiple surgeries; however, it has come the time where amputation is the only option. The patient has a limited support system; he has a sister who doesn't live close enough to visit often and 2 friends who are also limited by distance. The patient's wife died approximately a year ago and his father died during his hospital admission. During the time before he was to have surgery, this nurse would kindly bring things for him to use in his daily living that he requested, such as a comfortable blanket and nail clippers, and she would bring in special drinks or food from Starbucks and other restaurants to help comfort him. Since he had been admitted, he had been wanting to go outside and get fresh air; the nurse and other ancillary departments orchestrated his transfer to venture outside to the hospital courtyard.

The specific situation that really showcases this nurse's dedication is when the doctors told him that amputation was the only option and that it was scheduled in 2 days due to the complications he was having. After hearing that news, he became very depressed, and wasn't sure if that was what he wanted, and didn't know what to do or what to think. This nurse advocated for him and was able to push back the surgery to help him get in the right headspace to make this life-changing decision. This nurse arranged for an Occupational Therapist who specializes in amputee rehabilitation to talk with him and help him understand what the recovery process would be like. This nurse also arranged for an employee who happens to be an amputee herself, and who also works for the Prosthetics and Orthotics Department, to speak to him about her situation. In the course of these talks with OT and the other employee, he was inspired. He had come to a positive mindset to make the decision to amputate and to be able to endure recovery and push through the rehabilitation. Leading up to the day before surgery, this nurse helped him celebrate his life before surgery and to anticipate his new life post-op, with decorations and multiple visits from friends he had met while hospitalized. On the day of surgery, this nurse arranged for everyone working on the floor to line up outside his room to cheer him on as he was wheeled into the OR. He was so surprised and was overcome with emotion.

These acts of kindness go well above and beyond our call of duty as nurses. The above example is one of many that illustrate the profound impact this nurse has on her patients with her astounding care and empathy.