I know I speak for many as I write this nomination. Nallely Z embodies all that we strive to be as nurses. We were all in awe as we witnessed Nallely step into a very complicated patient and family situation. There was a patient from Mexico who was very sick and had no family contact. Nallely took care of this man on 6S, and he subsequently became so ill that he required a transfer to ICU. She was so troubled by his lack of family support that she tracked down his roommate who was able to point her to an estranged sister. After speaking with this sister, they were able to find this man's wife in Mexico.

One important fact in this nomination; this amazing nurse wears another hat. She is a certified medical translator. Nallely sat in on family meetings in person as well as the phone family meetings with the medical staff on the patient's care team. She quickly gained the trust and admiration of the family. Where all of the above is admirable, the following is truly extraordinary. Nallely came into the hospital, on her own time, more than once, to advocate for this patient and to help the family by being present for translation and support. She sat with this patient and his family until, while on comfort care, he died. Through this all she showed kindness and extreme compassion. She was a beacon of help for this family, and for the staff as well. We felt relief when we saw her because we knew she would help this frightened family during their darkest hours. She would also help the staff by explaining cultural practices of which we were unaware. From her, we learned quiet compassion as well as the power of a simple can of Coke.

After the past few years, it is easy for us to have become jaded and calloused. Nallely has shown every person on the 6th floor what it means to truly care. I wish this form allowed us to list the names of all the staff who wish to recognize this incredible human. We are beyond blessed to call her our teammate, coworker, and friend.