A tragic situation - a young woman, suffers a devastating and permanent neurological injury. Her husband, and small children... along with many loving family and friends post vigil at her bedside. It became clear over the next few heartbreaking days, that this patient would not be able to return to a meaningful life and that her body was shutting down. The patient spent those days and nights in our NCICU. For many of those hours, her nurse was Caitlin Ward. This type of case takes a village - a village of caregivers inside the hospital and a village of family and friends outside of the hospital - and fortunately this patient had both. A small core group of health care providers cared for and nurtured this family - but those of us who are physician, PA, respiratory therapist, nurse manager and social worker, spend chunks of time in the NCICU and then periods elsewhere, caring for others, and breathing fresh air on occasion - but Caitlin was at the bedside for 12 hours at a time - with few breaks, nurturing the family, and skillfully and empathetically caring for our patient. I watched her move in and out of the room - able to almost make what she was doing invisible when the family, especially the kids, were present. Despite being on the quiet side, Caitlin provides a confident presence, so that the family knows she is highly competent. All of us were especially touched by this patient's circumstances - we always are when young kids are involved. Caitlin welcomed my input and guidance and helped me create an atmosphere that was the least scary as possible, hanging sheets to cover the many pieces of medical equipment and changing dressings and sheets, so that any draining blood would not be seen. The patient died, as Caitlin was on her way home - the unit called her - she called me, and turned around to meet me back in the unit, to wait for the family. I don't think she gave it a second thought - that's just who she is. Balancing a healthy showing of emotion, with her professionalism and tremendous nursing skill, Caitlin made an enormous impact on this family. I watched the husband cry as he thanked her after his wife died. I listened as he told her how her amazing care for his wife was a great comfort at this tragic time. And after he left, I watched her cry - tears of a nurse who just cared for someone a similar age to her own parent. Caitlin is "the whole package", and I am honored to be part of the team with her. Nominated by Joanne B. Glusman, MSW, LSW, Palliative Care Social Worker