My mom got a CABG x 2, and her aortic and mitral valves were replaced. The first day that we were there, Paula worked so diligently titrating pressors and medications to make sure my mom was perfusing correctly. If there was something that my family members or I did not understand, Paula would explain in simpler terms until each of us understood. It was obvious Paula was on top of her game and is extremely knowledgeable.

I think one of the most important aspects of nursing is advocating. A lot of times, if someone is not in the medical field or they don't have medical knowledge, they sometimes have no one to advocate for them. Paula advocated for my mom on several occasions. She called the doctor to ask questions or make suggestions, like, "I think that this medication might be affecting her kidneys based on her creatinine. Maybe we should try a different medication." She made sure to talk to my mom, even when she was intubated. My mom was clean and well taken care of. I never had to call for updates; Paula would call me first thing in the morning, or she would call me if anything changed.

Nursing, at times, is a thankless job. But from the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank Paula for her skills, knowledge, and, above all, her compassion and love for patients. I hope she is blessed abundantly.