robert zollinger, RN

One day in September, a 13 year old boy had been in the Emergency Department for eight days. He was on a psychiatric hold awaiting placement to a pediatric psychiatric facility. Robert learned through his discourse that this child had witnessed the murder of his father a couple of years prior. At this point in his life, he was not getting along with his mother, had lost his father, had a lot of anger, was acting out and getting into trouble. He felt alone and desolate.
Robert was very empathetic and decided to do something. He went home to retrieve a few items, and came back with a football and an Oakland Raiders jersey. He took the boy out back to the ambulance bay parking lot and played catch with him that afternoon.
Later that day, the patient was taken to the pediatric floor, still wearing the Raiders jersey and holding the football.
What Robert did that day was very thoughtful and admirable. He made a moment of time in that boy's life enjoyable. It was an exemplary act of care and kindness!