The COVID-19 pandemic has created what Amy Rettig calls “a new reality” for healthcare teams. This new reality can be more difficult, but “realizing we are not alone in what we are thinking and feeling, and the knowledge that others are feeling the same way is so supportive,” says Rettig, a James advanced practice registered nurse, who has also earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and a Master of Arts in Lay Ministry. In this episode, Rettig explains how the James philosophy of patient-based care has helped the staff manage during more stressful times. At the core of relationship-based care is “to have a caring relationship with ourselves and with our team so that everyone taking care of every patient are all on the same page.” This in turn leads to better care of patients. Rettig explains several techniques she teaches others at the James to recognize and reduce stress and anxiety, including the brief emotional support concept; and D.E.S.C., which is a way to describe an issue, express your feelings, specify an outcome and discuss consequences. Rettig also shares the breathing techniques she uses to reduce her own stress. “Our team has been able to sustain the James level of providing great care to our patients and their families … our patients know we are here to take care of them,” she said.