I would like to nominate Carlota Contreras for this award because she is not only an exceptional nurse, but also an exceptional and caring human being. In a facility that has many great nurses, she stands out! Carlota not only provided me with excellent medical care, during my stay, but she also provided me with emotional support. The first time I encountered Carlota she wasn’t even the nurse assigned to me. My nurse was busy with another patient, however, Carlota stepped right in to help her colleague and made sure as dispatch arrived to pick me up for a procedure that I had everything I needed to make me comfortable, but also that the dispatcher had all the information they needed as well. I was nervous and she squeezed my hand and assured me that it would be fine and that meant so much. I was sent off with a smile and a laugh and that made all the difference. When I did have the privilege of being her patient, she made sure my severe pain was under control and I was able to have the most comfortable day I had had in months of chronic pain. Every day she was my nurse this was the case, lifting my spirits with a laugh as well as staying on top of my care. On a particularly bad day, she was a great support to me emotionally as well. I had reached a breaking point where I had been stuck with so many needles and procedure complications, I was feeling completely hopeless. None of my family or friends were there. She took the time to stay with me, listen to me cry, and provided the shoulder I needed to cry on. By the second time I met her, I felt like she was an old friend I could trust and confide in. Carlota also helped me find my voice to advocate for myself when otherwise I wouldn’t have. A feeding tube was inserted in an area when I was under anesthesia that I had specifically asked not to be used. I suffer from severe allergies and having the tube in my nose and down my throat was an impossible situation. When I initially tried to verbalize this, I felt pushback and intimidation from the physicians to keep it in place. Once again when Carlota was not even my assigned nurse, she popped her head in to say hi and found me crying and feeling helpless. She took the time to reassure me that I had a right to receive the care I was comfortable with and gave me the confidence I needed to advocate for myself and my medical needs. Later when the tube was removed my condition improved greatly. Once again Carlota went above and beyond. I truly believe Carlota has been a great contributor to my recovery, and I am grateful to her for making a difference in my care.