Ellen O'Connor was nominated by a patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) who has been a frequent patient on 6 North. In her nomination letter, read by Magnet Committee member and 6 South Clinical Leader Tracy Healy, BSN, the patient described Ellen's extraordinary care and compassion. She wrote, "When you live with a disability, you are at the mercy of others. Ellen makes you feel important and remembers all the small things that you may need."

The patient described how Ellen pays attention to the small things, like ordering a special mattress and putting extra flavoring in her colonoscopy prep. "She is kind, upbeat and encouraging while performing treatments or carrying out procedures," she wrote. "She has consistently acknowledged and tended to my emotional needs, which means so much to me. Through her compassion, Ellen makes a profound difference in my life."