May 2017
Stacie
Hammontree
,
RN
Orthopedics
Sparrow Hospital
Lansing
,
MI
United States

 

 

 

We recently had a patient on our ortho unit that was not typical for our area of specialty. This patient recently had a baby and was experiencing post partum psychosis with underlying psych components. This patient would at times have unexpected outbursts and become challenging to calm and direct. One day, this patient became inconsolable. She left her room and began sprinting around the unit. Caregivers were trying to redirect the patient back to her room but due to her fragile state, this became quite a challenge. Just then, Stacy, the nurse caring for the patient, came out into the hallway where the patient was sprinting by and she was able to make contact with the patient and hug her. She hugged her until the patient submitted into her arms where she cried and was in turn consoled for well over 5 minutes. Often times we are scared or unsure how to handle patients such as this one and it was the selfless act of this nurse to provide just what the patient needed at such a vulnerable time. Stacy is so very deserving of this recognition. Thank you.