My father was brought into the hospital experiencing severe chest pain, diagnosed with a STEMI, and was brought to the cath lab immediately. Upon finishing the procedure, he was brought to the CCU and Liz was his nurse when he arrived. She came to get my mother and I from the waiting room and showed care and compassion, but more than anything, she was immediately comforting during a very stressful situation. Unfortunately, we were catching Liz at the end of her shift, which you would not have been able to tell by her energy and great attitude.

Being an ED nurse myself, it is very hard to not be the one to call the shots and being worried that my father may not receive the critical care and attention he needed, and that I know I would provide for my patients. This resulted in a very long day of worrying. I cannot explain the sense of relief when I saw Liz's face again Sunday night coming into work. She gave me all the confidence in the world, to the point that I knew I could actually sleep that night. Knowing that my father was in competent and caring hands, was truly priceless to me. When I woke in the middle of the night and called to check in on him, she never made it seem like I was bothering her, gave me pertinent information, and once again the reassurance that he was in good hands. She was calm, caring, but also stern, in an effective but respectful way with my father who is stubborn and independent, experiencing his first stay in the hospital at the age of 72.

I wish to thank Liz, for the excellent care and education she provided to my father during her time with him, but would also like to send her endless thanks for the comfort she gave to myself, my mother, and my two brothers during this very nerve-racking time. She is a true gem in the CCU and the hospital.