I recently had an occasion to spend a lot of time in and around the Intensive Care Unit while my wife was a patient there. While everyone in this unit was most helpful and very professional, myself as well as other family members noticed one nurse who displayed exemplary care and professionalism as she went about fulfilling her responsibilities; her name is Annette Chewning.

It was obvious in watching her care for my wife that she wasn't just following orders; she was deeply involved in monitoring the constantly changing condition of my wife and making adjustments and decisions that maximized her treatment and comfort, both physically and emotionally. She displayed compassion and concern while at the same time keeping us informed of the treatment steps being taken. She communicated and worked closely with the doctor to insure best possible results.

At shift change it was more involved than "handing off" my wife's chart and summary to the incoming shift. She was very detailed and thorough to insure she prepared the incoming shift to be as prepared and effective in patient treatment as she could. She displayed not just an involvement but a commitment to all concerned. She never seemed to be in a hurry to leave even though she had been on the job for may long hours. Even then, she would come to the ICU waiting room to insure I was updated on my wife's condition, treatment plans and who would be caring for her during the night.

In summary, Annette Chewning went above and beyond the norm in caring for her patients. She exemplifies a true "nurses' heart: and when they are under her care they are more than patients, they are her family.