November 2025 Honoree
Olivia (Liv) (Bauer) Norris, BSN, RN
As of today, my sister has been a patient on the 17th Floor of The James for 27 consecutive days. We have had amazing care from many PCA's, nurses, physicians, PT's, OT's, Nutrition staff, housekeeping, and even the folks at the front desk on the ground floor who seem to recognize me when I arrive.
However, I must send a message to let you know that I have now met the most empathetic, thoughtful, and kind nurse I have ever had the pleasure of respecting. Yesterday, when I arrived at my sister's room around 7 a.m. I noticed that she had become unresponsive and was experiencing more difficulty breathing than in the previous days. When I hit the call button, Olivia immediately came into the room, and I was so thankful to see her. Olivia had been our nurse on previous days, and I felt so comforted to have her with us once again. She completely agreed and was equally concerned with my sister's status.
For the next three hours, Olivia orchestrated a stream of doctors and Physician Assistants to the room to evaluate my sister. Throughout the morning, it became too clear to our family that her condition had deteriorated to the Hospice level. Olivia took blood, monitored her vitals, listened to the physicians, brought our family water and boxes of tissues. Throughout those hours, she evaluated my sister. As the steady flow of a lovely chaplain, Social Worker, Hospice Admissions person, etc., Olivia asked if we would like a comfort care tray. It wasn't long until she returned with coffee, muffins, and water. I felt so much support and love as she continued to check in on my family throughout the most difficult day up to that point. When my sister was transferred to Hospice, Olivia worked with the doctor to change my sister's wristband and administer morphine for comfort. She was calm, understanding, and compassionate.
I know that nurses are trained professionals, but when a nurse makes you feel that your loved one, your family, and what you are dealing with is of utmost importance in her life, you have to say thank you, and you made a difference.
However, I must send a message to let you know that I have now met the most empathetic, thoughtful, and kind nurse I have ever had the pleasure of respecting. Yesterday, when I arrived at my sister's room around 7 a.m. I noticed that she had become unresponsive and was experiencing more difficulty breathing than in the previous days. When I hit the call button, Olivia immediately came into the room, and I was so thankful to see her. Olivia had been our nurse on previous days, and I felt so comforted to have her with us once again. She completely agreed and was equally concerned with my sister's status.
For the next three hours, Olivia orchestrated a stream of doctors and Physician Assistants to the room to evaluate my sister. Throughout the morning, it became too clear to our family that her condition had deteriorated to the Hospice level. Olivia took blood, monitored her vitals, listened to the physicians, brought our family water and boxes of tissues. Throughout those hours, she evaluated my sister. As the steady flow of a lovely chaplain, Social Worker, Hospice Admissions person, etc., Olivia asked if we would like a comfort care tray. It wasn't long until she returned with coffee, muffins, and water. I felt so much support and love as she continued to check in on my family throughout the most difficult day up to that point. When my sister was transferred to Hospice, Olivia worked with the doctor to change my sister's wristband and administer morphine for comfort. She was calm, understanding, and compassionate.
I know that nurses are trained professionals, but when a nurse makes you feel that your loved one, your family, and what you are dealing with is of utmost importance in her life, you have to say thank you, and you made a difference.
Thank you, Olivia (Liv), for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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