Rachel is a new-grad nurse who recently went the extra mile for a patient on the ward. The patient was a dying elderly man who had no family or friends. She spent much of her time comforting this man and went the extra mile on her night duty by bringing him some of his favourite treats and home comforts, which truly lifted his spirits and put a smile on his face at such a difficult time. Rachel showed a wonderful example of going the extra mile for her patient, and not only on this occasion. She is always very pleasant to her patients, and laughter is often heard from her room.

***

Recently, we had an elderly patient on St. Ward who was dying from a terminal illness. He had no family or friends in the entire world. Rachel was on night duty, and she made sure to spend time with this man so he would not be alone at the end of his life.  As busy as she was, she would write up her notes at his bedside and take the time to speak with him and comfort him. She asked him numerous times, “Is there anything or anyone I can get for you?” He said, “All I’d like is a gin and tonic or a pint.” So, once she cleared it with the medical staff, Rachel went out before her duty to buy him some cans of Guinness, brought them in for him, and helped him have a drink. This meant so much to him, and he enjoyed it immensely.

Rachel treated this man with care, comfort, compassion, and dignity, but most of all, she treated him as the person he was.