Though I am a travel nurse temporarily working at Barnes, I have never felt more at home than I have here in MICU 8300/8400. So much that I would almost want to become a full-time employee here if it weren't for the high housing interest rates. Although there are many superior MICU nurses here, Carli is one of the most welcoming and extraordinary nurses I've met. I know that when your hospital speaks of promoting a more diverse and inclusive workplace, that you may be referring to race, gender, or religion; however, as a travel nurse, we can feel very excluded sometimes. Carli welcomed me the very first time I met her and made sure I felt included, important, and connected with MICU as a team. She is the poster child for Barnes's mission, vision, and values; specifically, your values on compassion, respect, excellence, safety, and teamwork.

One core memory I have of Carli was when I was overwhelmed one morning at work, she was the charge nurse, and sensed that I was drowning; she offered to help me with my other patient; and though I was shy in accepting her offer, I immediately accepted. She took such a load off my shoulders that morning. I will never forget her generosity and commitment to quality patient care and teamwork. As Carli plays many roles in our department as a charge nurse and coworker, I have witnessed her commitment to finding a perfect balance in nurse leadership and interprofessional collaboration in an acute changing environment; and she does so with such grace and professionalism. In situations where solutions feel impossible, such as delegating patient assignment changes, her dedication to excellence inspires innovations. I'm not sure how she does it all so well, but she deserves to be recognized for going above and beyond her expected roles and responsibilities. If I were ever a patient here at Barnes, I would hope to be placed in MICU with Carli as my nurse.