Integrity- Grace was honest in all communication about my husband, not exaggerating or minimizing my husband's symptoms. I relied on her honesty.

Compassion -After my husband's sundowning behavior, I was feeling discouraged about his prognosis. Grace intuitively sensed my concerns and gently described how my husband's behavior could realistically be temporary and caused by the unsettling environment of hospitalization.

Accountability- Grace has always been quickly responsive either for immediate service or to make a quick stop to explain any delay. If my husband needed immediate attention, Grace made sure someone else took care of it if she couldn't.

Respect - Grace has an extraordinary knack for meeting the patient wherever he is. She was respectful and calming to my husband. She described what she was doing in each step, helping my husband trust her. When my husband was alert and joking Grace smiled and joked with him, helping him trust her even more.

Excellence - My husband began a pattern of sundowning, and Grace avoided a confrontation. She used excellent communication skills, first by expressing understanding. She also tried logic/reasoning and calming language, but he continued to increase his agitation to go home. Grace consulted with her supervisor and the doctor. They developed a medication plan to help him feel less agitated and worried. Grace avoided having to put my husband in restraints by using many skills that excellent nurses use.