Deb Smith is a caring, empathetic nurse. While she was never my nurse, she still showed compassion and respect to me. I went out for neck surgery which put me out of work for three months. My mobility was very limited, and so was my activity. Deb knew of the dates of my surgery and recovery. During that time, she texted me often to see how I was doing. I expressed to her how depressed I was. She took the time to send me a card and followed up with additional text. She shared with me that while she was out with COVID, she, too, felt isolated and depressed. She empathized with me. I felt someone cared about me as a person and a co-worker. I see her taking expert care of her patients, and she always has a smile and is very upbeat and professional. She didn’t have to do anything that she did. I sat at home alone and cried daily due to my limitations and loneliness. She was a bright spot in my day, and I knew she was there for me. If we can’t be empathetic, respectful, and committed to our co-workers, we aren’t very good. She is a great example of the person, employee, and co-worker we should all be. When I returned to work and had to start an IV for her, I shared my limitations. She jumped right in and moved the stretcher to accommodate me and my limitations. Everyone benefitted from her taking the time to help me. She is an advocate for the Veteran and the employee.