bethany hughes, RN, NICU

Bethany was nominated for demonstrating extraordinary, compassionate care outside the walls of the NICU where she usually works. She was at the gym working out when she responded to an emergency, performing CPR and initiating the AED for another gym member who was unresponsive. The woman did not survive, but her family discovered who Bethany was and asked that she honor them by attending their mother's visitation. Bethany discovered their mother was a nurse, and at the visitation one family member told Bethany, "My mother would have been so proud to know it was a nurse who came to her aid!" Being prepared and willing to respond to perform CPR when needed demonstrated dedication and caring, but honoring the family's request to attend the visitation provided closure for the family as well as a surprising sense of well-being and relief for Bethany.