What are the qualities of a "good" nurse? What makes a nurse extraordinary? What does she do that sets her above the others? These are the questions that I used to ask myself when I first started my job as a new grad. I was fixated on the idea that I didn't want to just be a nurse I wanted to be an extraordinary nurse who made an impact on each of my patients' lives.

I did a 6-month orientation on day shift for Labor and Delivery. When I got off orientation I was put on night shift. I did not know anyone, wasn't confident in what I was doing, and was scared out of my mind that something bad would happen and I wouldn't know what to do. Each shift I felt like I was drowning always behind and could never seem to catch up. I would make small mistakes and worry that I was doing everything wrong. I was constantly walking on eggshells with my coworkers thinking that everyone thought I was a bad nurse. It was a downward spiral on low self-confidence and I started to feel like I was not meant to be in this field.

After 1 month I was ready to give up completely. Rebecca found me silently crying in an empty room and took me in her arms. She showed kindness to a complete stranger and listened to my thoughts. She validated my feelings and helped me find ways to solve these problems. She offered to orientate me to nights- and gave me hope. She watched me work and offered tips on how to do things more efficiently. She showed me grace while pointing out when I would make mistakes. She made me feel comfortable while asking stupid questions and making mistakes. Even though I still had a lot to learn as a new grad she never once made me feel like a bad nurse. Instead, she gave me the tools that I needed to strengthen my weaknesses and gave me confidence in myself that I am a good nurse.

What did Rebecca gain from helping me? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. What did I gain from Rebecca helping me? More than she will ever know. It's easy for a nurse to do the bare minimum to get the job done. But an extraordinary nurse will go out of her way to help make her patients' lives just a little better- while asking for nothing in return. An extraordinary nurse shows compassion to everyone no matter their background or their story. She treats each person individually and gives each person the benefit of the doubt. She knows that knowledge gives her patients the power to better their lives and is constantly educating. She knows that she is not perfect and welcomes new ideas. She inspires everyone to be the best version of themselves and gives them the confidence to conquer their goals. She fights for her patients knowing that they can't fight for themselves. She adapts to her surroundings molding herself to make each patient feel comfortable.

This Extraordinary Nurse is Rebecca Westerman. Rebecca fights for her patients just like she fought for me. Thanks to Rebecca I now have the confidence I needed to enjoy my job. She introduced me to my coworkers and now I do not feel alone. She has shown me how to go from a "good nurse" to an extraordinary one who positively impacts patients' lives. I was so close to leaving the nursing field completely but she helped me realize that this is my passion. She has changed my life and I will always appreciate what she has done for me. No one is more deserving of this award than Rebecca. I believe the best is yet to come for her and the nursing field is lucky to have Rebecca on their team.