Ann Garcia is an amazing nurse, clinically and compassionately. Ann assisted with a very complex patient who presented in the Wound Care OP Clinic for a follow up appointment for a wound on his left foot. While in the room he complained about his right foot hurting. This particular patient was very fearful of hospitals, needles, fairly unkempt and confused. Ann coaxed the patient into removing his shoe and sock only to find his right foot was critically ischemic and at risk for emergent limb loss. This patient was very frightened and he needed to be admitted for critical limb ischemia. The patient was adamantly refusing, screaming "no needles, no needles." Ann went into action and was able to connect with this man in a way no one else was, including his doctors. She calmly spoke with him at a level he could comprehend and convinced him, after an hour, gained his trust, and he then agreed to go to the ER for urgent evaluation and implementation of the Critical Limb Protocol. At this point the only person in the room this patient would focus on was Ann. Ann was already far past her time to leave, but told the patient she would take him up to the ER. Once in the ER, all his fears were heightened as he needed an IV, blood work, a CT and other testing. Again this patient became very agitated and wanted to leave shouting "no needles, no needles." Ann stayed with this patient for hours in the ER, reassuring him and being with him to help him through this frightening experience. Had Ann not connected with this patient and convinced him to go to the ER, allow the testing and get admitted, this patient would have surely lost his leg.

Because of her compassion, he received the necessary care and did very well. Ann really helped this patient get the best care and outcome he could receive. Ann would say, 'just doing my job', but seeing this and watching her connect with this patient demonstrated a true gift she has. Thanks Ann for making such a difference in this patient's life.