As palliative care nurse practitioners in the inpatient setting, we see many very complex, chronically ill patients in the hospital. We spend a lot of time not only supporting patients but also their family members who help to care for them.

I recently saw a patient who was admitted to the hospital with worsening confusion and agitation in the setting of underlying dementia. During my visit with the patient, she was very agitated and restless, sometimes tearful and appearing afraid. In discussion with her children, I learned that she is most at ease and relaxed when she is with her husband, but unfortunately, he was waiting for a workup in the emergency department as he was in a car accident earlier that day.

Without hesitation, Anthony suggested speaking with the patient’s attending to see if he could facilitate accompanying the patient to the emergency department to see her husband, which would hopefully alleviate her fears. Anthony, while in the middle of a busy assignment and orienting a new team member, took the time to make sure he could personally escort this patient to see her husband. I was able to join the patient and her family down to see her husband as well. The instant relief and happiness the patient exhibited when she was reunited with her husband is something I will never forget.

Though it was such a simple thing, I know it meant the world to the family that Anthony thought to help this patient in this particular way and took the time to make it happen. He maintained a positive, friendly, and fun attitude all while doing so too! This is not the first time I have had the pleasure of sharing patients with Anthony and witnessing his exceptional care, but this was certainly worth recognition.