Sandra has deep empathy for patients and demonstrates a unique ability to quickly and personally connect with any patient and family. Recently, she was assigned a patient described as combative and difficult. The patient was disoriented at times. As the clinical instructor, I met the patient prior to the students' arrival. The patient was appropriate for a student assignment, and I believed she would benefit from the extra care and attention. However, the patient was clearly distressed, yet not able to communicate her needs to me.

Sandra accepted the patient assignment. About an hour had passed between my initial encounter with the patient and my second visit. I stepped toward the door and watched the patient smiling and sitting in a chair. Sandra was seated next to her with a whiteboard, communicating a question to her. The patient's breakfast was set before her on the table. I walked in, and the patient was clearly relieved and in better spirits. Sandra shared with me that she learned that the patient was deaf. The patient had suffered from sudden and recent hearing loss and was upset by it. She was also in pain. I watched the patient transform through the shift as Sandra assessed and intervened on behalf of the patient. She shared at hand-off report to the nurses that the key to communicating was the whiteboard. She also shared several other key components of care! Sandra makes such an impact on her patients and families every clinical shift. She has been an inspiration to me and a reminder to us all to always keep the patient center of each day!