My husband B was hospitalized in the ICU with MIS-A, an autoimmune response to COVID that expressed as pneumonia and meningitis. His diagnosis is extremely rare. He was on a ventilator in the ICU at Riverside Community Hospital for over a week while his doctors worked out what was wrong. The entire nursing staff in the ICU was stellar, but Brittney took care of B on a particularly difficult Sunday. B had been extubated on Saturday morning, but his condition steadily worsened, and by Saturday night he had to be re-intubated to sustain his blood oxygen levels.

Enter Brittney. I was a huge mess on Sunday morning, crying and frustrated that B had come back, only to go away again. Brittney gave me a hug and spent the whole day taking care not only of B's many medical needs but also of his dignity and comfort as a human being. She washed his hair and cleaned his body, and she seemed to be the only person who really understood how the impossible cooling blanket machine worked, which she set up to auto-regulate his body temperature and manage his fever. She also reassured me that I could offer care to B in small ways, showing me how to apply moisturizer and chapstick safely.

I felt like I had been snappish with her in the morning, but she told me about her own experience of losing her father to a stroke and reassured me that I could advocate for my husband's care. I cannot even express what a comfort she was. Obviously nurses are charged with safeguarding their patients' lives above all, but I felt that Brittney attended to my husband's body and spirit as a complete person. She also empathically understands that a patient brings their loved ones with them, and how difficult it can be for family to see their beloved suffer even small indignities and pains. By caring for B as she did, Brittney saw us through one of the lowest points in the most difficult experience of our lives, giving us the relief and courage we needed to keep going with positivity. Thank you, Brittney, from the bottom of our hearts.

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I have never known a nurse more deserving of recognition for all that they do. Brittney, you go above and beyond for every single one of your patients, whether they be critical patients who need someone to advocate for them or someone who may not be as critical but needs a little extra love, care, and compassion. I have seen you advocate for patients when it feels like care is falling through the cracks. I have seen you take time out of your day to wash someone's hair, shave them, clean them up, and so much more so they feel a little more human. And you do all this with kindness and a sparkling smile. I know sometimes it seems like it goes unnoticed, but I see it, and most importantly, the patients see it. You are one of the best nurses I have had the pleasure of working with. Let this be a reminder that you are making a difference. Keep on sparkling!