In Gratitude to a Colleague Who Brings Calm to the Chaos

It was around 6:00 p.m., and I on my way to leave the facility when suddenly heard a new patient screaming. He bellowing from his room asking for nurse pain medication. His transportation packet did not have prescription, but he routine as well breakthrough medications based discharge summary. The situation required careful prompt review intervention, so relieved that colleague, William Karnubah Bazzie, duty. Mr. an evening nursing supervisor, almost always had smile face. As signing orders, said quickly, “Doc, let me check what’s going with patient.” could hear snippets of their conversation. patient’s choice words unkind, usual, kept calm demeanor, listened complaints escalating pain, informed him would do best get time. Listening empathically without interrupting is first step creating therapeutic alliance. After Bazzie settled down quite bit, concerns well. 65-year-old gentleman who came us rehabilitation after osteomyelitis secondary diabetic foot ulcer uncontrolled diabetes. comorbidities included hypertension, coronary artery disease, chronic smoking, back pain. told been discharged hospital receiving last dose medication, which made furious. seemed be experiencing acute-on-chronic mixed psychological physiological dependency complex psychosocial medical condition. assessed condition, reviewed signed off hospital’s summary wrote in-house prescription quickest delivery. immediately printed out medication list reconciliation, even juggled regular administrative supervisory duties. felt surge gratitude realized while knew dependable, trustworthy, amiable member our staff, didn’t know much about personally although often talked country come — Liberia. So day asked if tell more life. before coming United States, deputy governor Lofa County in also instructor International Rescue Committee, where helped educate refugee children Liberia Sierra Leone. Coming States wife five meant leaving comfort home starting all over again, Bazzie’s position stop dreaming dreams. years civil war Liberia, wanted become positive leader help people suffer treatable diseases. earned licensed practical diploma (LPN) Master Public Administration supporting family. This notion service evident one sons both worked assistants same facility, they were popular among patients. another son pharmacist, served military, daughter school. inspired by this family constant efforts seek knowledge, gain wisdom, serve community. learning story, thought exchange Ms. Sylvia, year Caring Ages (2022;23[8]:3). wrote, “Ms. Sylvia traveling across globe, what she found core diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI) one’s culture, origin, race, or ethnicity (CORE) it kindness mutual respect love understand each other.” man embodies these ideals. continues others keeps pursuing own dreams, treating every regardless CORE. energy comes aspirations, diverse extensive experiences bring calmness chaos. Today, work charge supervisor long-term care facility. draft article gave permission print together photograph. Dr. Naqvi Hospice Medical Director MOLST Trainer at Holy Cross Home Care Hospice.Are you interested writing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion column?Email managing editor [email protected] info. Are column? Email