Monica received TWO comprehensive nominations. We will share a few stories, but you all should know, that these are just some of the wonderful comments and stories that came across in the nomination of Monica.

We only had 4 clinical days together for a total of 48 hours, but it didn't take me long to realize how special Monica was. On her first clinical day, she cared for a 58-year-old female who was newly diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer, which had metastasized to her liver and brain. The plan was to discharge the patient to hospice that afternoon. Monica never shied away from her patient. The care she provided to her was exemplary. She remained at the bedside the entire shift, caring for the patient's basic needs, including emotional support. After the patient was medicated, she vomited. Monica cleaned the patient, held her hand, and made sure she was comfortable. Once the patient's pain was under control, Monica bathed the patient with comfort, dignity, and respect, getting her ready for her transfer to hospice. The patient's primary nurse reached out to me several times that shift to tell me how great Monica was. Monica did a great job reflecting on this experience in her Clinical Worksheet. "Today was a significant day for me as I pursue a career in healthcare. Being able to provide this patient with care as she is faced with a terminal illness is truly an experience that will probably stick with me forever. It was heartbreaking to witness one faced with a sad prognosis, but to be able to be a small part of her day and possibly make a difference in her care and provide comfort mattered so much to me. I was able to observe and learn from not only the incredible nurse whom I was able to assist today but also from the team of other healthcare professionals who all helped one another on the unit regardless of whose patient it was. The teamwork that was present in this unit was truly admirable and one I hope to encounter and experience when I begin my career as an RN." 

When visiting Monica at the elementary school, I saw her work seamlessly and independently, meeting the needs of every child who walked in that room- and there were many.  She was administering medications to some children, calling families for pickups, and tending to illnesses and injuries of others.  She did all this flawlessly- while also charting/documenting and was 100% capable in that moment of running that nursing office, and she did.  Her preceptor praised her nursing and personable qualities and was trying to convince her to apply for the vacant school nurse position.  This nurse of 25+ years at this school felt completely comfortable having Monica take the lead and delegate to her, and it was clear to see why.