Penny Tubergen, RN, cared for a Vietnamese patient and his wife who spoke no English. Using the interpreter phones, Penny was able to reassure the crying wife that her husband was receiving pain medication and she worked with her to provide him comfort and care. The wife was so grateful, she thanked and hugged Penny and said “I have loved him for 60 years!”
Penny was nominated by a faculty member of Muskegon Community College because Penny was precepting an MCC management student who witnessed the entire event and was very moved. Penny said to the MCC student that day, “This is why I became a nurse.” Congratulations Penny!!