We were all caring for a young patient who required a great deal of both physical and emotional support after surviving a tragic home invasion that left both is parents, sister, aunt, and grandmother dead. This young boy was suffering from PTSD and was very withdrawn and unable to connect with the nursing staff. I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with this patient thanks to my colleague, Joyce Hedrick. She took over my other assignment without hesitation and also went to the local diner to purchase my patient's favorite foods: pancakes and sausage.
Joyce continued to support my patient indirectly by allowing me to spend much needed uninterrupted time, engaged in conversation and offering emotional support to this very young boy who is barely getting over a very tragic experience.
Because of Joyce's true spirit of teamwork and compassion, I was able to spend quality time at the bedside and give my patient the emotional care he so needed at this point in his recovery.