Nana cared for my father for 3 out of the 4 days he was admitted. She was so attentive and nurturing, treating my father as though she really cared. Despite the full patient assignment, she assured that his pain meds were given on a timely basis, paying attention to his specific signs. She had listened and remembered, even 2 days later, how he rated his pain lower than it was in reality and paid attention to the other indicators such as expression, interaction with her, and his positioning. This was vital in helping obtain the appropriate medication regimen.

She advocated on his behalf to the surgeon, the therapists, and the case manager. Aside from his medical management, she was attentive to the little things, like placing his phone near him, making sure she spoke loudly enough for him to hear, and keeping his water filled. For an 80-year-old man, this made a huge difference. And for the hours I could not be with him, I felt confident Nana was looking after the little things I would have done if I were there. On the day she was not here, Nana peeked in regularly, and he felt truly cared for and safe. She was a Godsend in a less-than-ideal situation and made our experience here a truly great one. Although there may be those who might say she did her job well, and that is all, I say she did it from her heart, which is something you cannot teach. The feeling you get from someone completing tasks is a very different one than that received from someone paying attention to the things that matter to each individual and caring enough to prioritize them.

I've been a nurse for over 30 years, with experience as a manager, educator, and safety/quality expert, so I know competence and heart when I see it, and she has both in abundance. Not once did she try to give me the scripted responses or explanations and dismissals- she listened with earnest and spoke to us as though we were partners in my father's care. That calls for recognition and appreciation! And by the way, I've been either a patient or a primary caregiver for a patient at least ten times in my life. I have never written a letter of appreciation or nominated someone for an award, even though I have met plenty of excellent nurses. Nana is special and made a very big difference here!