Becca consistently displays empathy and compassion for her patients and their family members. Whether it is making exceptions for visitation when appropriate or forming connections that go deeper than the hospital room, Becca makes it a point to get to know her patients on a personal level. On multiple occasions, I would walk into Becca's room and the patient's favorite song or band was playing on the iPad, or their favorite show or movie was on the TV. Even if the patient was intubated and sedated, Becca still made an effort to make the hospital room experience the best it could be.

Many patients and family members visit to see Becca and tell her how impactful her role as a nurse is at MSK once they are discharged. Not only is Becca extremely compassionate, but she also has some of the best critical thinking, time management, and interpersonal skills I have seen. From creating an ICU 101 course for new ICU nurses to organizing orientation for all new ICU staff, serving as charge nurse and a member of the rapid response team, caring for the most critically ill patients, earning her master's degree, and participating in hospital councils, she demonstrates her capability, drive, and passion for her work every day.

Becca makes an extra effort to check in on her colleagues during and outside of work. You can always count on Becca to congratulate you for a new role within MSK, a personal life achievement, or for doing great work during your shift. She will go the extra mile to thank staff during an especially hard shift for all their hard work and dedication. When Becca is in charge or in my pod, I know I can always go to her for help, advice, or even for a laugh and a nice, crisp Diet Coke when the 4 p.m. slump hits.

Becca demonstrates all the qualities of an extraordinary nurse daily. She leads our unit through education and as charge and RRT nurse. However, these roles pale in comparison to the compassion and detail she shows in her patient care. Becca and I were in a room with a patient who was critically ill, intubated, and on multiple pressors. She was assisting me with a turn and clean-up. The patient was lightly sedated and arousable. Becca took the time to introduce herself to the family and the patient and to explain her role. The patient had been intermittently confused and agitated, but Becca approached with such a calming presence. She went over the plan in detail, describing each step of what we were about to do. The family shared that they really appreciated her explanations and felt their anxiety, and the patient’s, lessen because of her approach.

We completed the bath together while continuing to explain each step to the patient. When we finished, the family told us they felt comforted by the way we spoke with and included the patient. Patients in the ICU experience a loss of autonomy, which can cause distress and anxiety for both them and their families. Our patients are vulnerable and often unable to communicate. Becca understands this and involves every patient she cares for, directly or indirectly, in as much of their care as possible. Her attention to detail and patience inspire me daily.

When this patient recovered, they didn’t remember much about their time under sedation and on the ventilator, but their family had shared the experience with them. The patient said, “Thank you so much for continuing to talk to me.”

Becca DeDufour epitomizes the essence of a DAISY Honoree. She adeptly handles the challenges inherent in bedside patient care with grace and dignity, consistently earning heartfelt appreciation from patients and their families. I recall instances where Becca steadfastly remained by her patients' side, ensuring safe sedation vacations while providing unwavering support and reassurance. She excels in building strong connections with patients' families, even in tumultuous circumstances.

During rapidly evolving situations, Becca proves invaluable, always ready to assist and advocate for the safest, most effective solutions. Her skill in swiftly assessing and prioritizing critical issues in unfamiliar settings has been particularly evident during numerous rapid response calls. She is a true advocate for patients and staff members alike.

Becca works tirelessly to ensure the best nursing care is provided for our patients while making sure bedside nurses feel supported and empowered to deliver that same high level of care. Over the years, she has completely revamped the training course for new hires in the ICU, consistently raising our team's standards. Becca compassionately educates and empowers less experienced nurses to care for patients on the floors during rapid response calls.

Becca is often precepting new employees in the ICU and prioritizes new nurses’ autonomy while ensuring the best patient care possible. She encourages orientees to be independent while supporting them in their decision-making and communication with the team. Becca is an integral member of the Rapid Response Team and takes the extra time to educate and support floor nurses during very chaotic moments. She is calm and reassuring but also efficient and proactive.

Becca is an asset to the ICU and the RRT, and I am very happy to have her as a colleague. She is an extraordinary nurse who consistently contributes to a professional and healthy work environment. She does not hesitate to advocate for not only her patients but also her coworkers.