As a hospital security officer in an emergency room, we are called upon to help ER medical staff with patients. Especially those patients that have psychiatric issues for one reason or another. One such patient and event stands out as one of those moments that cause great concern for not only the patient but for the staff that had to treat him.

This one particular patient was confused, very disoriented and at a point in his life where he questioned his existence and the God that created him. The entire triage event was tense as staff was unsure of how patient would react to his current situation. Patient was a big man with collegiate wrestling experience which always causes concern when the patient is unstable and combative. Judy and I were the first to make contact with patient along with meeting his wife in the room. I've watched and admired Judy's skills at patient care for some time and I wondered how she would handle this patient.

We both trust God for healing and for helping us deal with life's situations not only for ourselves but especially when dealing with others so it was no surprise that divine intervention would play a major part in keeping this patient calm. In fact Judy will tell you that God gets all the credit and I agree. But God gives us special talents to interact with others and Judy's is a firm but genuine compassion for her patients. I watched her work with this patient as he calmed, as he cried and as he pondered why he was going through this and not once was she judgmental or uncaring. Just before my shift ended we were able to hold this patient's hand and along with his wife they allowed me to pray for him and his family.

I don't think the average person realizes what nurses encounter in their daily routine. This particular patient had no injuries and needed no medical treatment but he did need emotional help and Judy gave him that with the same care and compassion she gives all her patients. I think dealing with a patient's emotional issues is harder than with the visible signs of an injury or the common complaint that can be easily treated. I observe nursing staff constantly and they do take on a lot with some of them going above and beyond in their care for a patient. Judy is this way.

You can be the best nurse with top honors in your field but without a genuine love and concern for the people you treat, these honors in my opinion mean nothing. I truly believe she deserves this honor. Thank you.