Hope Adkins Durante
December 2019
Hope
Durante
,
BSN, RN
Observation Unit
Penn Medicine - Lancaster General Hospital
Lancaster
,
PA
United States

 

 

 

Hope cared for a patient on the Observation Unit who was being treated for complications related to a terminal diagnosis. During his care, they discussed the upcoming holiday season, and her patient mentioned his sadness that he may not get to experience another Christmas. Hope immediately jumped into action, recognizing that while the patient was experiencing an emotionally difficult time there was something she could do to brighten his day.
Hope worked with other members of the team to collect as many Christmas decorations as she could from throughout the hospital. This was not an easy task in mid-October! Supplies in hand, Hope set out to decorate the patient's room with pictures, paper snowflakes, garland, and other Christmas items. She collected Christmas themed hats that the staff wore into his room when providing care. It was clear that this patient and his family were touched by Hope's actions. Hope truly went above and beyond for this patient, creating a bit of happiness during an otherwise difficult time.