Mariah was caring for a long-term patient who struggled both physically and emotionally during her hospitalization, especially when it came to communicating her needs due to her medical condition. During this complicated hospital stay, the patient’s hair had unfortunately become severely matted, making it extremely difficult to manage.

When Mariah cared for this patient, she spent over three hours of her shift in the patient’s room, gently working to untangle her hair. She took the initiative to research some of the best products for detangling and found that a deep conditioner and Palmolive soap, which are not normally stocked in the unit, would help make the process easier.

Mariah then went above and beyond by purchasing a silk bonnet for the patient at the end of her shift to help preserve the progress that had been made. She took extra time after her shift to go pick up the bonnet and bring it back to the unit for the patient.

I was the patient’s night nurse when the bonnet was given to her. When I told the patient that Mariah had gotten it for her, her face lit up, and she was so excited to have something to better protect her hair. The bonnet also helped with the itchiness the patient had been experiencing and allowed her to sleep better at night with her hair protected inside it. Mariah exemplified going above and beyond. Her act of kindness had a huge impact on the patient and on their overall wellbeing.