Heather consistently shows an extraordinary connection with her patients. As the charge nurse on CSU, I frequently do rounds and all of her patients, not just some but all her patients report to me how wonderful she is. I have had comments like. "I wish I could adopt her." One patient who was having issues with insomnia told me how she sent him meditation tapes to listen to at bedtime.
We had a very demanding patient on the unit and Heather would go into his room and while talking to him she would gently massage his shoulder and he became visibly calmer and less anxious. Another patient invited her to have Thanksgiving dinner with them.
I believe Heather makes a connection with all of her patients. She is empathetic and demonstrates human kindness as she goes about her shift. She is an avid outdoors person and I think that she is a role model for patients and colleagues alike. I have been a nurse for over thirty years and although she is relatively new to her career, she is an inspiration to me and to others.