There was a veteran on the unit who was a high fall risk. He was weak, frail, and had multiple previous falls. The veteran was alert and oriented to person, place, time, and situation, but was non-compliant with care. Although many staff members made several attempts to assist veterans with needs to prevent unsafe attempts at ambulation, they were typically unsuccessful. Many times, having to rush into the room due to the veteran’s bed alarm going off or seeing the veteran attempting to unsafely get out of bed.

Tolman had patients in beds 1 through 4 and responded to a bed alarm going off in bed 19. He sat and talked to the veteran for a little while in an attempt to get him to use the call light before attempting to ambulate. The veteran stated that he just wanted to get some fresh air. Vo got his patients in beds 1 through 4 situated and asked the charge nurse if she could watch his patients for about 30 minutes while he went to lunch. Instead of utilizing his lunchtime, Tolman took the veteran outside for some fresh air. When they returned, the veteran was very thankful and stated that Tolman was very kind. It is selfless acts of kindness like this that should not go unnoticed.