My fiancé, R, came to NYU earlier in the week for a routine appendectomy and suffered major surgical complications resulting in the need for a more invasive, extensive surgery. There were so many uncertainties at that time, and all of us were nervous and scared. He was ultimately transferred to the SICU where Carolyn was his nurse for multiple nights in a row. Carolyn was the absolute best. I am also a nurse at NYU and I happened to be working one of the nights he had to remain in the SICU. Carolyn was so kind and understanding when I explained to her that I was only able to check on him during my break and that I would feel more comfortable if he could have someone stay with him overnight. She allowed my mother to stay, giving her a reclining chair and a blanket and pillows. She ensured that my contact information was in his chart and that the team would call me with updates and/or changes in his condition. After the first night, when he was more stable, she would encourage him to do his best to get out of bed to the chair and walk to the restroom. When he asked questions, she did not hesitate to explain things to him in terms he would understand. She was on top of his scheduled medication administrations to keep his pain well controlled. She ensured he was comfortable and cared for. Not only did she constantly check on him throughout her shifts, but she also checked on me and my mother. I had never met her before, but she was so kind and supportive. She was a shoulder for me to lean on, and I appreciated that more than she would ever know. A few weeks after his hospitalization, I ran into Carolyn, and she immediately said hello and asked about R. She told me that she thinks of us often and was hoping he was doing better. Carolyn is an exceptional nurse, going above and beyond to care for her patients and their family members. I will forever be grateful for the kindness and empathy she showed us during an incredibly difficult time. If anyone deserves this award, it’s her - for her extraordinary compassion.