Using haircuts and humor to help patients heal

When a patient recovering from surgery asked Jane Blair, RN acute care at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, to cut her hair, Blair didn’t hesitate, despite having no previous experience giving haircuts.

The patient had undergone a procedure to treat a skull infection and had been bedridden for days. Her hair had become matted in the back, causing discomfort.

Blair found a pair of scissors while the patient started browsing for photos.

“She was so excited and trusting, pulling up pictures of hairstyles on Pinterest to show me her vision. Hair meant something to her; it was part of her identity,” Blair recalls. “I did my best and did it with so much love.”

This kind of thoughtful care defines Blair’s approach to nursing — listening closely and discovering what patients need most in each encounter. As a neuroscience nurse with seven years of experience, Blair brings comfort and a spark of joy to those facing some of their toughest battles.

The nurses and providers in the neurosciences unit at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital care for patients facing a wide range of complex conditions — from traumatic brain injuries and strokes to spine surgeries. Each day is unpredictable, and each patient presents a unique puzzle.

“In neuro, you can’t always tell what’s going on by looking at monitors like you can in other units,” said Blair. “Is the patient tired? Hungry? Are they having a stroke? It’s challenging, and that’s what makes it so interesting.”

Amid the challenges, Blair says the best part of nursing lies in the “warm and snuggly moments,” the gentle, meaningful interactions spent truly connecting with patients. She often lightens the atmosphere with spontaneous gestures, like dancing with patients.

“I do weird stuff like that all the time,” she says with a laugh. “Sometimes it’s just what they need.”

Blair also loves the strong sense of community throughout her unit. The team includes passionate and experienced nurses who support each other through difficult times.

“We have so many amazing stories here,” she says. “This unit is pretty special.”

Blair’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. Krista Dienhart, nurse manager at University of Colorado Hospital, recently praised Blair in a Celebrating You nomination.

“Jane is such a special, caring nurse,” Dienhart wrote. “There are so many examples of ways that she provides personal care and attention to her patients. …You could see the joy in her patient’s eyes and hear it in her laughter. It is those small moments that are so very powerful.”