My Aunt was admitted to the Surgical ICU with pneumonia, sepsis and multi-organ failure. The decision was made to take her off all support and provide comfort care. I came to the hospital that day to be with my cousin during this difficult time for him. Anna, the nurse taking care of my aunt that day was amazing!

It was a busy day and there was a lot going on: phones ringing, alarms going off and lots of people and activity. I don't think she even took lunch. Every encounter with her that I witnessed, whether it was talking with her nursing colleagues or interacting with the residents or responding to the unit secretaries or her patients who kept calling for her and asking for things, she remained pleasant and upbeat and helpful. Anna was wonderful when caring for my aunt, who was so small and frail. She was compassionate and caring. She was gentle when handling her. She spoke to her in soothing tones. She took the time to explain things to my cousin who was truly anxious and concerned. She communicated with my aunt's physician and when the decision was made to cease support and provide comfort measures, she did so quickly and efficiently. My aunt died about 5 hours later at 7:08 pm. Even though it was change of shift and Anna had been there since early in the morning, she stayed to comfort my cousin and take care of the final arrangements.

I have been a nurse for many years and have worked in various hospitals, outpatient settings and in private practices. I know you are very fortunate to have Anna working on your unit and she deserves to be commended. She is clearly a dedicated professional. It was clear that this is not just a job for her. It is who she is. She set a wonderful example for her nursing colleagues and the other healthcare personnel with whom she interacted. She is "a nurse's nurse".