I know a great nurse when I see one because I spent the latter part of my nursing career educating others to become a competent and caring nurse. My TSU nurse, Deb Lovejoy Bland, exemplifies those traits. Deb was my nurse post kidney transplant 1/23-1/26. Deb had other patients, but she made me feel like I was her only patient. Deb gave me her complete attention and I never felt rushed. It's obvious that nursing and providing the best care possible for her patients is Deb's life. I had a rough first night as I was very apprehensive and worried about rejecting the new kidney. Deb came in to take report and her demeanor was calm & confident. She allayed my fears & concerns & I felt more secure & less vulnerable. I felt so comfortable that I sent my family home so they could rest and I could work with Deb on my recovery which went remarkably well because of the care Deb provided. Deb showed me all the meds I was to receive (and there were many) and opened each and everyone in front of me so I could learn my new meds and to assure me of med safety. Deb always involved me in the plan of care and together we modified the plan as needed. She had excellent infection control practices with hand washing compliance, wearing a mask at my request, scrubbing down chairs before I/my family sat down on them, placing a pad on the floor when my foley bag had to lie on the floor so that it would drain better. Deb has astute observation skills and was able to pick up on any changes in me and quickly reviewed my entire health history to incorporate in my care. She worked well with the team of nurses & doctors to ensure I rec'd the best care. Deb extended her kind and caring attitude to my family & made sure that they took breaks and got their needs met too. Every comfort measure (mouth care, back rub, turn schedule, snacks to help decrease nausea with meds...) was implemented by Deb to aid my healing. Deb knew what I needed before I even realized what I needed. And that is the most essential quality of a stellar nurse. On 1/23 I was blessed to receive a new kidney in the paired exchange program which is, indeed, a miracle and the most wonderful gift of life. I was even more blessed to have Deb as my nurse on my road to recovery. THANKS Deb!!!