The Neuroscience Critical Care Unit (NCCU) acquired a patient with ALS (chronic trach/peg) who was an off-service patient. The patient's daughter is set to graduate high school in May and will go to nursing school in the fall. The patient is not expected to survive until May and likely will be unable to see his daughter graduate. We decided to have a mini graduation in the room on Sunday for her and her father. The nursing staff collaborated with the charge nurse and PA-C, Justin Lowe. They did everything with the help of the family, of course. Nursing cleaned him up in a nice shirt, bought his daughter flowers, hung banners, signed a card, and decorated the room. Her family entered the room, followed by his daughter in her cap and gown. The patient's family had a family friend from her school board officiate the ceremony. The patient's wife was incredibly appreciative, and many tears were shed.

NCCU wanted to recognize Jessica Appel (MICU) and Melissa Floyd (bedside nurses), Lindsay Bond (charge nurse) and Justin Lowe, PA-C for all of their assistance planning, coordinating, and facilitating this special moment. Justin Lowe, PA-C, dropped off all the decorations and supplies to make the graduation a little extra special while Melissa and Lindsay went to work decorating the room and Jessica Appel from MICU, got the patient looking and feeling great for such a special moment.

The above is an extraordinary example of the compassionate and thoughtful care that is provided by the NCCU team regularly. The scenario described above embodies what it means to work for Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. The above team put the organization's values of respect, integrity, teamwork, and excellence into action. The team was sensitive to the needs of the patient and family and ensured this momentous occasion would not be missed. The team members came together across units to create a positive, impactful, and unforgettable memory for the patient and his family. The NCCU team is so deserving of this award.