…in my nursing journal that I have been writing in over the years is as follows:

I was working as a travel nurse in Burlington, VT on the night shift (which I truly hated). I got my assignment and started to work. One of my patients was Geno. He had recently had surgery. I always answered my patients’ calls with a smile- they don’t need to know if I have had a bad day. Geno was a doll. Despite what he as going through, he still kept his sense of humor. It was about 2 or 3 in the morning and I was tending to him. Out of the blue asked, “Do you sing?” I was puzzled. So I replied, “Only when no one is around to listen.” He proceeded to tell me about the karaoke club he owns and he hoped I would come visit. I told him I would think about it.

About a month passed and I decided to go to the club. Ray and I went on a pretty busy night. It was great to see Geno as a “person” rather than a recovering patient. I have often told Ray about patients who have praised me and my nursing skills. Well, that night, Geno praised me to Ray. He told him about how I always smiled and never made him feel like he was bothering me. A short while later, Geno was on the microphone telling everyone that I was his angel.

I visited the karaoke club a couple other times before I left VT. Each time, Geno would praise me. I don’t get much time during a patient’s stay in the hospital to do all that a patient deserves. Many times I feel that I don’t make much difference in their lives. Thanks to Geno, I know that things like a simple smile in the middle of the night can truly make a difference in someone’s life. I’m looking forward to all my future “Genos” every day I go to work.

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I forgot to write about how I had gone to the club on my birthday that year and Geno had pulled me up on stage and sang to me! I’m glad that I met Geno. He did teach me that a kind smile can go a long way. I really need to head back up to Burlington, VT. Anyone care to join me? I know a great little karaoke club!