Julia is a CHRP float pool nurse and was floated to ICS. Upon arrival, she was assigned a socially difficult patient receiving end-of-life care. Where others saw a behavioral child who was withdrawn and angry, Julia saw simply a child with unfair circumstances. The patient was very guarded, lacked trust in adults, and was suspicious of everyone around them. They had minimal family support and came from an abusive and neglectful home. Every time this patient pushed Julia, testing her commitment to them, she continued to pursue providing them with the best care possible and being a positive support.

Julia sat in her PPE and was simply present for the patient, and listened to their story. The patient eventually let down their guard to Julia and became vulnerable. Julia requested to return to that patient for all her shifts that week and brought the patient their favorite drink in hopes of getting them to drink, and showed up when she said she would. Julia wanted to make sure that before this patient passed away, they truly felt loved and seen. Others in my department, as well as those in orientation and capstone students, witnessed this unconditional, compassionate nursing and were inspired by it. The patient reported to Julia that they requested to go to the hospital, because they didn't want to die alone. They weren't sure their family would even notice when they passed.

By taking the extra time to be intentional and present for the child, Julia was able to overcome barriers in providing patient care. She was able to provide soothing words, a sense of safety, and a safe place to talk through their anxiety and fears. Julia taking the time to get to know the child beyond a file allowed her the ability to advocate for their care and promote dignity and respect to incoming caregivers. Lastly, Julia provided the patient with meaningful final moments, comfort, and peace.