Since I started in the unit, Sam has been not only a great leader and peer but has also demonstrated exceptional nursing skills and patient advocacy. Every day I work with her, I am in awe of Sam's dedication and ability to go above and beyond for not only the entire unit but also our patients. In our field of nursing, our patients are in need of nurses who are compassionate, caring, and empathetic, and Sam is all of these and more. She takes time to really get to know her patients and their needs.

The day I decided to nominate Sam was when I saw her interacting with one of our patients who was on the unit for depression and suicidal thoughts. This patient had been struggling with self-image and couldn't find anything she liked about herself. Sam sat down with the patient and really tried to get to know her and what she needed. Sam then got her a journal and asked her to start writing down things she liked about herself every day. Every day, Sam would read over the journal with the patient and really encourage her to keep up her hard work and try to stay positive. By the end of her stay with us, the patient had countless pages of positive things she had written about herself and one of the biggest smiles I had ever seen. When I asked the patient what had led to this change, she said that she finally felt good about herself for the first time in a long time. Sam not only helped this patient identify her problem and make a goal, but she also gave her the tools and ability to feel happy again...and there is no greater accomplishment as a nurse than making a difference in a patient's life.