I received a call advising there’s a 38-year-old female exchange student, Mandarin speaking, in the Emergency Department refusing care after a blunt force trauma. The patient has a very low H/H, is in serious condition, and wants to leave the hospital. I thought of RNs who may speak Mandarin and who could possibly assist this patient. Shufei Hall immediately came to mind.

We phoned Shufei, who responded with eagerness. Shufei promptly came to the ED. She entered the patient’s room with a smile, spoke softly and slowly to our patient, clearly offering a sense of assurance. Although I don’t understand Mandarin, I could see the expression on the patient’s face and noted her appreciation of the face-to-face exchange with a kind and caring professional. Shufei was immediately establishing a bond.

Shufei allowed time for our patient to verbalize her concerns, assisted the psych resident with her evaluation, and accepted the patient’s roommate’s contact information. Shufei called the roommate and advised him of the emergent situation. The roommate (Mr. L) informed Shufei that he’d come to our ED.

I wanted to share this positive patient experience with you and express my appreciation of Shufei and her gracious willingness to offer herself to this patient (despite Shufei being 4S Charge RN & having her assignment…she never refused, hesitated, or complained). The patient was clearly frightened, tearful, and did not understand the seriousness of her condition.

I truly believe that it was because of Shufei’s patience, acts of kindness and genuine concern for the well-being of her patients that this patient agreed to remain in our hospital and consented to much needed blood.

Kudos to Shufei for exemplifying the essence of nursing at its best!