I was post-surgery, coming to my room to stay the night, and that's where I met Maria. From the moment I met her till it was time for her shift to be over, she cared for me confidently, gently, and intelligibly. She made me feel like I was her only patient and that she truly cared for me like I was part of her family. She not only attended to my needs but also found ways to be preemptive in caring for me as I struggled after surgery. The way she treated me and helped me to find the different positions to rest made me feel more restful, knowing I was in good hands. I feel like everything from her tone to the timeliness of her giving meds to the empathy and understanding she demonstrated to me stood out as not normal nursing but above and beyond. This was excellence in nursing displayed. Because she was my nurse, I feel a little bit better if I were to go back and stay in the hospital.