Teresa Cates is an unbelievable nurse and stands out as an example of what it means to make an impact in nursing every day. During my dad's stay, my family would spend 12 hours a day at my dad's bedside. It was difficult leaving in the evenings and trusting my dad would be ok overnight. My dad's first night on 6MTN ICU, our concern was set at ease because of Teresa. Her calm presence and nurturing nature helped alleviate our fears and feelings of hopelessness. She told us she was going to do everything she could to make sure my dad wasn't in any pain and was comfortable so he could rest. She took the time to talk with us and to understand who my dad is and his prior level of functioning. She more than cared. She treated my dad like her own family member. 

Several nights in, we told Teresa that we had been playing 60’s music throughout the day and that it seemed to relax him. She kept the music playing in our absence and even sang to my dad too. Even when she wasn't assigned to care for my dad, she would come in before her shift to check on him and us. She was genuinely excited to see the progress my dad was making and delighted in hearing us tell the miracles that were happening during his stay. Nursing can be a thankless job and I'm sure healthcare workers often feel that they're just doing their job. I cannot convey the impact nurses can have in a patient and family member's lives - especially when those individuals have embraced their calling and go above and beyond their job. Teresa is one of those nurses. She eliminates your feelings of isolation and fear when you feel helpless. She brings a calmness to the room and genuinely cares for her patients as if they are her family.