In a heartwarming tale that spans a decade, Nurse Arianna Graziadei’s exceptional care transcended the hospital walls at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis.
Ten years ago, a patient in the Acute Care of the Elderly Unit was faced with a heart-wrenching decision about their beloved cat, Papa Bear. In a moment of pure compassion, Nurse Graziadei stepped in and offered to adopt the feline, forging a bond that would stand the test of time.
When the patient’s partner, Margaret Mangan, returned to the hospital last week, Graziadei said she recognized the name. When she walked into the patient’s room, she recognized both women and said, “Do you remember me?” The women said yes. While providing an update about the cat, the women shared that they missed Papa Bear.
Graziadei contacted her husband and asked him to bring the cat to the hospital (with its records to prove the cat had all its shots). Graziadei surprised both women by bringing the cat into the room, and a reunion filled with tears and joy unfolded.
Papa Bear sat down immediately on Margaret’s lap and started wagging his tail and purring. Arianna thinks the cat remembers both women.
Graziadei’s thoughtful gesture of reuniting Papa Bear, now 17 years old, with his original family not only showcased her dedication but also underscored the profound impact nurses have on their patients’ lives, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.
As Daily Nurse proudly honors Arianna Graziadei as Nurse of the Week, her story poignantly reminds us of the extraordinary kindness and empathy that nurses bring to their practice, enriching the lives of those in their care.
Nominate a Nurse of the Week! Every Wednesday, DailyNurse.com features a nurse making a difference in the lives of their patients, students, and colleagues. We encourage you to nominate a nurse who has impacted your life as the next Nurse of the Week, and we’ll feature them online and in our weekly newsletter.
The post Cat-tastic Reunion: Nurse’s 10-Year Promise Reunites Beloved Papa Bear Back to Patients first appeared on Daily Nurse.
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