Nurse Emily Smith is an exceptional advocate for her patients and their families. She always goes above and beyond to ensure that her patients receive the appropriate level of care. She shows exemplary bedside manner and compassion. Her knowledge and clinical skills as a nurse help ensure that her patients are safely cared for. She effectively communicates with the interdisciplinary team to assist with her patients' care, progression, and discharge plan.

A perfect example of all of this was recently when she advocated for hospice care for a patient with a very poor prognosis. The patient and family were ready and accepting of the changeover to hospice care but were not getting the appropriate communication from physicians about prognosis and options. Emily worked tirelessly to communicate with physicians on the patient's condition and wishes and was able to get them to the bedside to speak with the patient and family regarding all their concerns. She then worked with the hospice team to make sure the appropriate treatments and interventions were in place. The patient went from miserable and uncomfortable to comfortable and peaceful just from the simple knowledge that he knew his care was moving in the right direction and that he had an advocate in Emily.