While working a shift in the adult emergency department an older female patient presented in the afternoon with symptoms of an aortic dissection. Very quickly it became obvious that the patient was critically ill and that she would need a lot of resources emergently if she were to survive. As we started to rally in order to take care of the patient and obtained the blood so that we could start a massive transfusion the team then made it clear that the patient would not survive her injury regardless of any intervention we could implement. At that point all of us collectively held our breath as the doctor began this conversation with the patient and her son via phone. Once the patient and her son made the decision to forgo surgery and begin palliative care it was emotionally very difficult on the nursing staff knowing that we would be supporting the patient as she passed away. What made it more emotionally challenging was that the patient's family was unable to be present and we would be fully responsible for her last moments on this earth. As I struggled with my own emotions and the primary nurse who recently lost her mom struggled with hers despite having her own patient assignment Melissa really stepped up and became a source of support for the patient as well as for the unit. In addition to supporting the primary nurse by helping to take care of the patient Melissa took it upon herself to spend time sitting with the patient so that she would not be alone in her final moments. She was caring empathetic and handled herself with grace during this difficult time by being present for the patient holding her hand and emotionally supporting her as she passed on. I truly believe in this moment Melissa personified compassion and what it means to be a nurse.