It was the beginning of just over a three-week stay for me in the Floor 5 South Progressive Care Unit (PCU) at HCA North Florida - after having been admitted with acute respiratory failure. During my confinement, I met several incredible doctors and caregivers. But there was one thoughtful, compassionate, and caring RN who was a “guardian angel” and simply extraordinary. That person was Telva Hickman – and she had a significant impact in my recovery and on my life. I felt like Telva always had my back and my best interest at heart. She took the time to listen and to get to know me as a person. Telva always looked at me as a patient and a human being rather than simply as someone connected to the monitors that she had to chart. She also knew that recovery was more than just about physical health but also knew the importance of mental and emotional well-being during the recovery process. Telva went above and beyond in her care for me and in her interactions with my family. She even took the time prior to a critical procedure (while I was sedated) to call my wife to let her know what was happening and promised her she would call her as soon as I was back in the room with an update – and she did! It was also obvious during my three weeks as a patient that Telva is a role model and mentor who is respected by her teammates and other HCA staff members. I noticed several times when others would seek her advice and feedback during the course of a shift that Telva’s reaction was always kind and helpful. Telva is a professional with unmatched dedication and compassion - and is a true patient advocate. You should be extremely proud to have her as an HCA team member. She demonstrates your mission and vision statement on a daily basis in every interaction with her patients and those entrusted to her care. I think one of the greatest compliments I can offer is that Telva’s level of patient (customer) care and advocacy has now set the bar for what we are looking for and will accept when hiring new employees at our company. The bottom line, Telva provided exceptional quality care with unmatched dedication and compassion. She is certainly deserving of this nomination and being recognized with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. I have extreme gratitude for so much, and for so many, during my recovery – especially Telva Hickman.