I would like to bring your attention to the excellent job that your night shift RN Bellda Lina Sandoval performed during her shift on Sunday. Just prior to her shift starting, the on-call IM intern received a call about the patient who appeared to be in respiratory distress. I accompanied the Intern to evaluate the patient after placing STAT orders and reviewing them with Lina. She acted promptly and asked appropriate and thoughtful questions to clarify the orders. After evaluating the patient, it was clear that he was actively dying and the family agreed with our recommendations to transition him to comfort measures. This case was particularly challenging because the family was large in numbers and obviously grieving over the change in condition of their beloved.

Lina took instruction VERY well regarding this situation, and although she appeared nervous (a totally natural reaction), she maintained a professional attitude and her compassionate spirit shone through. The following morning when I checked on the patient, he was resting comfortably due to Lina's excellent care. Lina, herself, looked spent, but the caring touch that she exhibited while repositioning the patient after my morning assessment was strong, fresh, and truly exceptional. The patient died with dignity and compassion thanks in large part to Lina's great efforts during his final moments. Not only did she provide outstanding technical care, she also epitomized the caring spirit of a nurse who was living her vocation to care for pt's AND their families during one of the most important phases of life - death.

Your unit is truly blessed to have a nurse such as Lina on your staff. It was a tremendously humbling experience to work with her, given the fact that she is a new grad and handled this situation with grace and compassion well beyond her experience.

It is important to me that our nurses, especially new grads, be recognized for the day-to-day work they do at the bedside that often goes unnoticed and forgotten - Physician.