My brother was a patient on ICU earlier this year. My initial contact was Alisha, his day nurse via phone, as I tried to arrange travel to Phoenix. From the first moment, there was no question that she was connected beyond a mere clinical level and was truly invested in his case and my family. During my brother's stay, she dealt with multiple visitors, repetitive questions, and requests for status updates that sadly, were not optimistic. She maintained a clinically professional, yet amazingly human, demeanor. There is a genuine warmth that she exudes, in addition to obvious clinical excellence.
Sadly, my brother passed away when I could not be at his bedside. Alisha informed me of his declining status by phone, we discussed suspending life-sustaining measures, she ensured that I was able to speak to the attending in a timely manner, and finally, assured me that he would not be alone upon his passing.
As a practicing clinician for 33 years, as well as a clinical instructor, I recognize true clinical excellence in its highest form. As I try to instill in my students, as well as project to my patients, "We're good at this because we care". Alisha cares.