My father was admitted to critical care after being rushed to the ED, then the Cath Lab for angioplasty where a stent was placed. From the second he arrived to the unit, Marissa was ready and waiting. Her first step was to make sure his vitals were ok and he was comfortable in bed. She introduced herself to him and to all of us around. She was extremely professional and from the beginning her compassion and love of her job and patients were evident. I can't begin to explain the level of comfort we had with her there. She was my father's nurse for two days. We teased that she had springs on her feet. She would bounce from room to room, patient to patient. She always had a smile on her face. She was obviously attentive to all her patients. I witnessed on more than one occasion that when other nurses asked for assistance, she was always willing to help with the most cheerful demeanor. She obviously respected her peers and was respected in return. In just the two days she cared for my father, they formed such a beautiful bond. When she went to say goodbye to him after her last shift, he was emotionally grateful to her. He thanked her for taking such good care of him and making him feel that he was in good hands and always comfortable. My father is not a man that tears up easily, but she was that kind of person that you just felt a bond with. They both tearfully hugged as they said goodbye. He is still talking about what wonderful nurses he had but Marissa was the best. Marissa is the kind of nurse who demonstrates her skills along with the compassion that patients need when in the hospital.