I was in a charge nurse role, and a patient requested to speak with me. I went to the bedside to assist the patient, but had difficulty being heard as I was recovering from a sore throat, and the patient had tinnitus. The patient wanted to be discharged, but despite my efforts to reassure and educate, they were not receptive. I notified the doctor, but he denied that the patient was ready for discharge. I attempted to find solutions to recover care but eventually decided to ask my coworker, Stephanie, to "be my voice." Stephanie did not know this patient but happily agreed to help, and we went to the room.

Initially, the patient was not receptive to Stephanie, but she paused and asked if she could walk through his chart with him to answer his questions. She got a computer, sat down next to him, and walked through his labs, tests, treatments, and plan. She asked him about his life, and they really connected to the point where she teared up at his story and situation. The patient, who initially said, "You want to fight?! I'm ready!" and insisted on leaving, agreed to stay and was pleasant and appreciative. Late in the shift, Stephanie took extensive time away from her group of patients to care for a patient out of the goodness of her heart. I believe she prevented this patient from leaving AMA and potentially putting himself in danger, as well as educating and supporting his current holistic needs.