Aiko Slade exemplifies everything a nurse should be. She is caring and kind to everyone, taking time out of her busy day of managing the floor to round on and have conversations with her patients to address their needs.

Recently, Aiko stopped at an accident on her way to work. She showed extreme compassion to pull over and help, and dedication to nursing by risking her life to save someone else's. A witness was so moved by her act of kindness, he wrote to our Chief Nursing Officer,

"I saw a hero today. It was one of your nurse managers (Red nurse outfit)... She was risking her life (literally) crossing 3 lanes of traffic on foot on westbound I 40 to help an accident victim trapped in their car. It was wrecked in the middle of the freeway by the Carlisle exit. Pretty bad wreck...Front of the car was demolished. She was in such a hurry to reach the person she almost fell down herself. GOD BLESS HER!!! I have no idea who it was but she is definitely a hero. Thought you might want to know."

Aiko recounted the story with humility; that though she was running late for work, she was worried that she could not see the driver through the smoke in the car. Luckily, she was able to reach the young woman and keep her calm. Aiko even helped notify her work and told her what to expect of the ER and what tests the doctors might run. She advocated for this woman before she even became a patient. As a charge nurse, she is the unit's resource for medical knowledge and skills. Aiko is an excellent role model for the staff; greeting every challenge with smile (and her infectious laugh).