One Step at a Time: Learning the Power of Trust in Nursing

During my direct service, I worked with a middle-aged patient recovering from a serious motor vehicle accident. He had multiple fractures and limited mobility, and I was assigned to assist with his daily care and rehabilitation support. As a nursing student, I had learned how to perform mobility assessments and assist with ADLs, but this was the first time I was responsible for helping someone regain independence step by step. I helped with bed-to-chair transfers, monitored his pain levels, and worked closely with physical therapy to ensure he was safe and supported during mobility exercises.  What stood out most was how much trust he placed in me. One day, while I was helping him take a few steps with a walker, he looked at me and said, “I didn’t think I’d walk again.” That moment connected everything I’d learned in class to the real-life impact of nursing. It wasn’t just about helping him physically heal—it was about encouraging him, building his confidence, and being consistent in my care. The experience strengthened my communication skills, taught me how to adapt my care in real time, and gave me a deeper appreciation for the healing relationship between nurse and patient.

-Kelsey Adair