A few years ago I was admitted to this floor after a hysterectomy. It was an emotional and vulnerable time for me, and I was a mess. I was treated with the utmost kindness and compassion. I had nurses listen to me while I grieved, help me walk, and prepare me for a long recovery. They inspired me, and made me want to be better!

I left my time there and immediately applied for nursing school. As a nervous nursing student, I was assigned to this floor for my capstone. Again, I was met with compassionate, skillful, attentive nurses. They never even put in a catheter without seeking me out and including me in the experience and learning.

When I graduated I was hired onto this floor as a new nurse and had the same experience. Not only did I get to work with these amazing people, but I also had the opportunity to brave a pandemic with them. I have watched them hold the hands of patients struggling day after day to breathe. I have seen them save lives when patients' hearts and breathing failed them. I have seen these nurses become family to those who have been locked away from their own. They have been brave, generous, and devoted to their patients and each other.

As I leave this team I want them to know that they have inspired me to be better, and they have changed lives including mine. They have experienced great losses and tremendous successes. They have met every challenge the last couple of years has thrown at them with competence, grace, and love. If there was ever a team that deserved this award, it is this dream team at Madison Memorial Hospital.