Sari was my nurse on dayshift when I was finally transferred out of ICU to the PCU. She was the epitome of nursing! She took the time to talk to me and meet me at my level. She quickly realized I was a healthcare provider and we had thorough, valid discussions about my case. She tailored her nursing care to my individual needs while still meeting all of her nursing requirements.

Most impressively though, late on my first day in her care she accepted a new admit to the neighboring bed. The patient was belligerent, verbally abusive, and cruel to Sari and the rest of the staff from the moment she arrived. She cursed at everyone, called them names, screamed that they didn't know what they were doing. It was absolutely horrifying. Throughout it all, Sari kept her cool. She remained calm and utilized numerous techniques to de-escalate the patient, offering reassurance and constant updates to her despite the steadily devolving behavior of the patient.

Ultimately, the charge nurse became involved and opted to move the patient to a private room out of consideration for me. About an hour after they moved her out, Sari came back in the room to make sure I was okay! My concern was for her! No one should be treated that way, especially not when trying to help others. I was incredibly impressed by Sari's ability to tailor her nursing care to my unique needs and concerns, her professionalism when handling an exceptionally difficult patient, and her dogged efforts to coordinate expedient care both for myself as well as for the other patient in the brief time she was in the room.