Time is one of the most precious resources we have in nursing. It’s what allows us to form connections, create truly meaningful moments, and provide care that not only heals but leads to desired patient outcomes.
I’ve spent my entire career in nursing, and if there’s one truth I always come back to, it’s this: nursing is about human connection. It’s about showing up for patients when they’re at their most vulnerable. It’s about connecting with them as fellow humans, acknowledging their fears, their hopes, and even their heartbreaks.
Yet, so much of the time, the heart of nursing gets squeezed by the demands of data, technology, and administrative tasks.
Challenges in modern healthcare
While these tasks are important, we have to ask — are we giving nurses the time to do what really matters? Are we equipping them to be present for their patients in meaningful ways?
For many nurses, the challenge lies in balancing the need for documentation, scheduling, and running back and forth for supplies with the deeper, more human work of nursing. These competing demands can leave little room for authentic patient connections, which are at the core of quality care.
A story of compassion
One story that beautifully illustrates the impact of time is that of Sarah Palmer, RN, a float pool nurse at Providence Portland Medical Center. Sarah, who was recently honored with a DAISY Award and featured in our 2024 Moments that Matter video series, stands out for her compassion and connections with people, even in the toughest moments.
She had a patient referred to as “Jeff,” who was admitted to the hospital without a name or history. He was houseless, unresponsive, and very ill. He could have been easily overlooked as someone too far gone or too “complicated,” but Sarah saw him — not just as a patient, but as a person.
During her shift, Sarah gave him a bed bath, restoring not only his dignity but also a sense of humanity during his final days. She spoke to him, stayed with him, and showed him unwavering care. By the end of the night, he could follow commands with hand movements — progress that wasn’t just clinical but deeply personal.
The next night, Sarah learned that Jeff wasn’t doing well and would likely not survive. Despite her busy shift on another floor, she found the time to sit with him again, hold his hand, and speak softly to him, even reciting one of her favorite poems, Wild Geese by Mary Oliver. Although she didn’t know Jeff’s real name, she made sure he knew he wasn’t alone.
When I think about moments that define nursing, Sarah’s care for Jeff is at the top of the list.
Innovative solutions
For me, this story begs an important question — how do we, as leaders in healthcare, give nurses like Sarah the time to make these moments possible? If we drown our nurses in administrative duties, we rob them of the time they could spend with their patients.
Healthcare organizations should continually innovate and adopt technology that helps create efficiencies and streamline workflows. It’s not just about making work easier — it’s about giving nurses time back for their patients. Imagine if every nurse could dedicate even an extra 15 minutes to building bedside connections, offering comfort, or simply listening. Think of the impact on patients, their families, and the quality of patient care. Receiving care from someone who has the time to truly see you as a person — that’s the kind of nursing we strive to help deliver.
The commitment to care
Time isn’t just something we give to our patients; it’s also something we give to our nurses. It’s about creating space for them to help people and feel the difference they make through care they’re so passionate about. Sarah’s story is a reminder that beyond all the technology, policies, and protocols, what patients often remember most is how we, as caregivers, make them feel.
Whether it’s feeling seen, heard, or reassured, these moments of connection can bring clarity and calm to patients, empowering them to regain control over their emotions and make critical decisions. For some, this sense of understanding can open the door to meaningful conversations with their families, leading to decisions that may change the course of their care. For others, it may provide a sense of peace, purpose, or strength as they face what lies ahead.
These moments of emotional connection, created by nurses, are far more than kind gestures—they are catalysts for real outcomes. A patient who feels calm and empowered is better equipped to engage in their care, ask the right questions, and make informed decisions tailored to their needs. These outcomes not only enhance the patient experience but also elevate the quality of care delivered.
Every healthcare organization needs to make time for care – listen to your nurses, address inefficiencies, and invest in tools that ease their workload. Because at the end of the day, it’s moments like the one Sarah shared with Jeff that define nursing. It’s about being able to say, “I’m here for you,” and truly mean it.
Every passing day reinforces my belief that the greatest privilege in nursing is making moments like these possible. No matter how advanced healthcare becomes, the heart of it will always be nursing and human connection. We owe it to our nurses and patients to protect that. Time is the key, and it’s up to us to make it count.
