I was covering 5 south today, and it would be an understatement to say they had quite a challenging day. But it would also be remiss of me to go home without finding time to sit and write this email about Esther. Esther was absolutely fantastic today. 5 South started their morning off with a code blue on a young patient. Although not Esther’s patient, and a float on the unit, you wouldn’t have ever been able to tell.

Esther jumped in wherever and however she could. She was a runner if she needed to be, she listened out to hear what meds were being called in the room so they could be prepared at the crash cart, and she continuously asked is anything else needed. As the day progressed, a BERT was called on 5 South, and later on again more security presence.

As I arrived, once more, although not her patient there she was, available, attentive, and trying to help find a solution. As the primary nurse was running around trying to set up bed changes for the behavioral patient, Esther was pulling the primary RN’s meds, reconstituting, and drawing it up. She continued to check in and ask was anything needed, all while being sure all her patients were settled, safe and secure.

As the chaos erupted, Esther never at any point showed a sign of worry or frustration. Instead, she smiled the entire way through. She truly embodied above and beyond today, and that was not only recognized by me, but also the staff and other managers who responded to the overheads on 5 South. Please be sure to give her this feedback and encourage her to continue being the compassionate nurse and team player that she exemplified today. Her presence was appreciated more than she knows.