Kim called me on Saturday morning after her previous shift to ask permission to support the socioeconomic needs of her patient. She told me she hadn’t been able to sleep that night because she was worried about the patient not having a way to get to the pharmacy to pick up their medications after their planned discharge the next day. She knew the hospital would provide transportation home, but the service would not take the patient to the pharmacy.

Kim asked if it would be okay for her to go to H-E-B to purchase a bus pass with her own money so the patient could pick up their prescriptions. She wanted to come to the hospital on her day off to deliver it in person before discharge. It was extremely important to her that the patient have a way to access the medications needed for a new diagnosis, one that had been chronic and untreated for far too long due to limited access to affordable healthcare.

Although the patient mentioned having family who might be able to help, Kim expressed that we never truly know someone’s circumstances. She didn’t want to risk the patient facing any barriers or having to choose between feeding their family and paying for transportation to obtain essential medications.

Kim delivered the bus pass the next day, and the patient shared how much it meant to her.

Kim demonstrated extraordinary, compassionate care. She is not only an excellent clinical nurse, but her acts of kindness reflect the true heart of nursing. Her compassion made a profound and lasting impact on this patient’s life.