There are so many examples of Mercedes' excellence in nursing and the ways in which she makes a meaningful difference in the care of her patients. She is empathic and practical, creative and talented. I can think of so many good illustrative examples that I'll simply give one from today: Her patient MH is an older widow who loves her work and her family but always describes herself as stressed out. She has several health issues including chronic pain, but she always pushes through (her words), so when she is in the office we know things are especially tough. Today she came in and had several elevated blood pressures - not common for her. She got more worried and the numbers just went up and up. Mercedes was direct, compassionate, and very subtle in engaging this high-powered woman in talking about her granddaughter, and - presto - her BP came down and she was immediately put at ease. All in a day's work for this fabulous nurse!