My grandma got sick and was admitted to IU West Hospital on the MedSurg floor, and this is where she received her stage 4 four cancer diagnosis. We were the lucky ones who had Monica all of her three shifts that week during these rough times. This was a difficult time for my grandma as she was in a lot of pain and just received a dreadful cancer diagnosis. While grandma was not so pleasant Monica never let it interfere with the exceptional care she gave. Monica was always so kind and understanding, and most of all, she listened. She listened to our thoughts and concerns and helped us to understand. Not only did she listen, but she also advocated for my grandma and talked to the night shift nurses and let them know what was going on and how to best help my grandma during these challenging times. Because of her listening and advocating the night shift did not have any preformed opinions, and every shift was a new shift for the team. When Monica was in her room, she was the only patient my grandma had at that time, despite all the other things that were going on in the unit, and trust me the unit was busy. Monica was always present when in grandma's room and her only focus was grandma during that time. She ensured everything was done and always offered anything else to be done before leaving the room. If we needed anything she was right, there and so pleasant and happy to help despite how busy she was. She had lots of kind words and recommendations for what we were going through on how to help with the situation. Being a nurse myself and having to experience patient care from the other side during such challenging times having Monica as our nurse 3 of those days was just what we needed and wonderful. When it comes to the IU Health Values Monica exemplifies them all in so many ways.

Team- She was there no matter what the need was even if it could have been delegated to someone else. Her purpose was to take the best care of my grandma and she did exactly that and ensured the other nurses and techs did as well. She did this by listening, advocating, and being able to understand from the other side.

Compassion- Monica pours her heart into the work that she does touching so many patients and family members and treating them as if they are her only patient.

Excellence- Monica was a wealth of knowledge, provided excellent care, listened, understood, and explained. You were never left without an answer, always updating us on what was going on and who the night shift nurse was going to be that was taking, popping in on her way by asking if we needed anything. We truly appreciate everything and all the care that she did for Grandma.