What makes a good nurse? A good nurse is someone who shows empathy and is caring. Someone who has great communication skills and excellent problem-solving skills. Someone with a good commitment to patient advocacy and attention to detail and someone who has great leadership qualities and time management. I'm sure there are so many qualities I can add, but these are the few that popped into my head when I think of the type of nurse I would want to be. When I think of all these qualities, I think of Kellen Washington. Kelleen has shown time and time again that she is here for her patients; that's what matters to her the most. She does more than basic nursing care and goes above and beyond to ensure her patients get the care they not only need but deserve. Not only does she provide care for the patients, but she is attentive to the loved ones as well. I have witnessed her providing food to the children of one of our mom’s kids because she did not have a support person, and the mom didn’t want to share her food because she felt she could have nothing to herself. Most nurses would have left the room and not gone back because it’s not their concern, right? However, Kelleen got a few snacks together, and she asked the mom if it was ok and gave the snacks to the children, and they were so very grateful. She has such compassion for those around her, not only patients but coworkers as well. She goes above and beyond to help coworkers, be it that she is in charge or not, and has no problem picking up a shift to help out. If I ever have a question about something, she is one of the first nurses I run to for an answer, and I am not the only one. Her knowledge, combined with her great qualities, make her an asset on this unit. Patients have said it, and coworkers have said it, but I don't think it has ever been shown or said directly. So, thank you for all you do and all the lives you touch while doing it!