Paula and I have worked together over the past few years. However, two bookend moments in our time as colleagues together truly stick in my mind as extraordinary moments in patient care, integrity, and true compassion she displayed. The first was when I was fairly new to the department. Paula was my nurse on call for the weekend. We had the worst of the worst case load upon us. Three overlapping strokes, multiple emergent cases, two full days of ongoing cases.

During those hours, I really don’t know how she balanced all that she did and did it all with compassionate care, kindness, and integrity. She didn’t miss a beat! Fast forward six years, I kept that moment in my mind as I saw her continually deliver this type of care daily. Always doing what’s best for the patient while balancing the needs of our busy department in the most compassionate manner I have ever seen. Her heart is as big as the hearts on her lead apron. She TRULY deserves recognition for the continual care she gives our patients and for being an example of teamwork. I believe her to be a true example of what a nurse should be. 

She once said to me, “I take my oath as a nurse very seriously.” That statement made me realize she should be a role model to graduating nurses and nurses beginning their careers. I can tell she holds that Oath as a foundation for the care she gives and the person she is. She is a true gem to work beside, and I feel honored to be her coworker. Her integrity in her work truly raises the bar to where it should be.