I had the honor of observing Luan Chan help guide a patient and his family on a journey of acceptance and deliverance. Her expert clinical nursing skills, her compassionate and calming style of nursing, her focus of care on the patient and family were so evident throughout the long process. So many issues entered into this equation comfort care, pain management, transition toward death, family wishes, patient wishes, doctor's orders. How does one nurse grapple with all this? and yet Luan did it passionately, responsibly and with an unwavering personal commitment.

Luan stayed on to give care during the patient's final hours. She even followed through with the patient's wishes that she wash his body as a final act of nursing care. I cannot put into words the admiration and respect that I have for Luan. During those three days, Luan established a clear path for the patient and his family to travel on their end-of-life journey.

I understand now what sacred ground nursing truly is and the beauty of our interconnection. Luan exemplifies the essence of relationship-based nursing and affirms the divine relationship we have as nurses to inspire and serve others. It is truly an honor to work alongside Luan, a nurse who gives her heart and soul to nursing and to her patients.