Mavis Sappor is one of the hardworking nurses at the University of Ghana Medical Centre. Her sense of offering extraordinary, compassionate care makes her spend extra hours and energy taking care of her patients without exception. She makes sure that every patient she comes into contact with receives a touch of compassion and a strong, trusting relationship during care.

As a patient with an obstetric and gynecological case, I came into contact with this nurse who wore an extraordinary smile even during challenging moments. I was admitted as a new pregnant client with hyperemesis gravidarum. My condition was very extreme, causing me to be severely dehydrated. I received numerous needle pricks as staff searched unsuccessfully for a vein to secure IV access. Both doctors and other health professionals kept trying, and at one point, it was suggested that a central line would be needed. This caused me great worry and sadness.

It was during that moment of distress that I met this angel of a nurse. She approached me gently to find out what was wrong. Even though I did not feel like talking, her smile and compassionate touch made me open up. I told her about my previous bad experience with a central line and how I had sworn never to go through it again. I felt her empathy as she held my hand and spoke with such kindness. Her words of education, reassurance, and encouragement relieved me of my fear and anguish. She asked for my permission to try one more time to access my veins, and I agreed.

At this point, Mavis shared her own perspective on the experience, reflecting on the care she provided and the bond that formed between nurse and patient:

“I remember spending close to an hour patiently looking for a suitable vein because I didn’t want to prick her repeatedly. I eventually succeeded in securing an IV line. I remember how she looked cheerful and grateful, and for the first time in weeks, she smiled. She told me that I had made her forget all that she had gone through since she came. She spent close to three months in admission, and during that time, I did my best to make her smile. She spent most of her time in bed because she felt weak, and I always encouraged her to take short walks around the ward. One afternoon, to my surprise, she walked out cheerfully and said, ‘I am coming to work with you, Mavis.’ We all laughed together.

Whenever I resumed duty, she would tell me she missed me with a cheerful face. She was one of many patients who appreciated the effort we put into caring for them. Her happiness and recovery were always my goal. On the day she was discharged, I remember that special hug from her. It has stayed with me since and strengthened my resolve to give extraordinary, compassionate care to every patient I meet.

Through her experience, I have come to realise the power of smiles, touch, therapeutic communication, and extraordinary care as the main pillars of Nursing practice."