Arlene had a young patient in his 20s who had recently had a cardiac arrest and was in need of a pacemaker due to the unknown causes of his arrest. However, after speaking with the hospitalist and the cardiologist, the patient refused the pacemaker and was therefore going to be discharged.

The patient's mother and Arlene were both concerned for the patient and afraid that he did not understand the pacemaker placement. Instead of just discharging the patient, Arlene took the time to ask the patient more questions to better understand why he was refusing the pacemaker. It turned out that the patient thought the pacemaker was extremely invasive and almost like open heart surgery, and he truly did not understand the procedure.

Arlene spent more time educating him and answering his questions. She even took the time to look up a video of pacemaker placement to better explain to the patient and ease his fears. After their discussion, the patient decided he would like to receive the pacemaker, and the procedure was scheduled for the next day. Arlene went the extra mile and exemplified what a nurse should be like. She is the type of nurse I want to take care of my loved ones.