As I was finishing charting from the previous night shift, I overheard Mrs. Norma comforting, giving words of encouragement, and preparing the patient for discharge that day. When she came back to the nurses' station I commended her on how pleasant she was with the patient. She told me today was supposed to be her off day, however, this particular patient was going to be discharged today, and because she had been his primary nurse since his step down from ICU, he wanted her to be his nurse and she wanted to see him through till the happy ending of going home. 

Norma explained how she asked her supervisor if she could do so, and she would leave after he was discharged. Her supervisor approved. She smiled as she said, "It was an honor to take care of him and I hope someone would do the same for me one day. This is not only a perfect example of the continuity of care but the epitome of Nursing Excellence! Norma LeBlanc is always a joyful and positive light to be around, but today you've shone your light in me and have inspired me to be a better nurse. Thank you!

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Norma displays true love and compassion for her patients. My mom is in hospice. When Norma started her shift she immediately made my mom comfortable. I can see it in Norma's eyes that she truly loves what she does, taking care of her patients. I told her how much I appreciate her and the stellar service that she provided. Her response was, "One day I'll be like this and I want to be treated with the same dignity and respect." Wow! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you, Norma!