Cailee was one of the primary nurses for a patient who had a prolonged admission in the PICU. He came to CDH from a long-term care facility, intubated, and eventually required a tracheostomy. Cailee was his first nurse, and she was there throughout the admission.

During his time in PICU, Cailee demonstrated a caliber of nursing care that exceeded the set standards of excellence. Not only did she support the parents emotionally and assisted them in understanding medical jargon, but she also made sure that the parents were just that in the hospital - the patient's family. She supported the parents in a way that relieved them from being primary caregivers, so they could instead focus on their son, and not "the patient."

She went above and beyond for a patient who requires the highest level of care. This is a patient who is considered "total care," but Cailee never viewed the patient for his inabilities; Cailee always saw the patient for who he is - a teenager full of spunk, sass, and a lot of personality.

Cailee always approached the patient with warmth, communicating with him with integrity. She was purposeful in engaging in eye contact, speaking, and interacting with him as if he were any other typically developing child. The patient was particularly responsive to Cailee's care. When she entered the room, he was awake, smiling, interactive, and tracking the conversation. This was a side of his personality and his abilities that his family hadn't witnessed in over a year.

Cailee truly made a difference for this patient's well-being, both physically and mentally, during an incredibly fragile and complex admission. Cailee's care is the definition of the NM Core Value of Patients First. And, she never failed to put a smile on his face.

As a colleague, Cailee is very professional, courteous, and kind, and truly values every member of the care team. She makes the chaotic, often challenging PICU a brighter, happier place.

We are lucky to have her, and I am thankful to have worked alongside her on this patient's discharge.