Never underestimate the sheer power of human connection.
We, humans, are social creatures. While some of us thrive in being alone, sooner or later, everyone will crave and yearn for companionship and community.
But what happens when a pandemic dashes all chances of these kinds of interactions? What will happen to us then?
As a nurse, Brooke Johns knew the effects of isolation.
On select days, the rooms at Southern Hills Hospital in Las Vegas receive a very special guest. Johns, 40, goes room to room checking on patients.
These would’ve been normal if it were a normal day but these select days are actually Johns’ days off. And while others are recuperating from work, she spends her free time being around patients, much like any other day.
This time, however, she provides a different kind of care.
She would brush patients’ hair and braid them afterward. It might not look so special for some, but this simple act of kindness ripples in tremendous ways.
More than just hair service, Johns provides her patients with the much-needed genuine and organic human connection.
It all started when her friend was admitted to their hospital due to COVID-19.
At the height of the pandemic, establishments and hospitals imposed isolation to curb the spread of the virus. This meant that people who were hospitalized were most likely left alone in their rooms or recovery areas. There were no visitors or caretakers. The only human interaction they have are with hospital staff.
“Her hair was very matted in the back,” Johns said of her friend to Good Morning America. “She was so weak, and wasn’t able to brush it out herself, so I just said, ‘Do you want me to brush your hair?'”
She said that it took her about an hour and a half to brush her friend’s hair, then she offered to braid them. Her friend obliged.
After the hair service, she said that her friend’s demeanor changed.
“She was a different person when I left,” Johns said. She then thought that if her friend can benefit from such simple treatment, one can only imagine if it’s done to different patients.
“We’re all hard-wired for connection. We’re social beings and we need that.” She further commented. It was a sentiment one of her patients agreed to.
Sierra Stein was paralyzed because of COVID-19.
Being sick and disabled is already hard for her but it was exacerbated by being isolated. Johns would sometime spend extra time with her to make her feel better.
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They would meet again when she was asked if she wanted to have her hair braided. Stein said the small gesture had profound effects on her recovery.
More than making patients feel better, Johns reiterated that it’s also about making people feel loved and seen.
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“Everybody has a story that will bring you to your knees,” Johns said to Good Morning America. “Life is hard and that’s why I think it’s so important to be kind and patient and spend time with people.”
Watch how this nurse spends her time on her days off.
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