Victoria’s optimism, passion for nursing, and ability to do everything she can to better her patients' lives are inspiring. One example of this passion is clear in her care for a patient who was on our floor for months. While many people impacted this patient’s care, Victoria sticks out as someone who went above and beyond in helping him throughout his stay. This patient had a hard time, including periods of suicidal ideation, and Victoria was able to make him laugh, help him find himself and his confidence, and feel like he had a friend throughout his hospitalization. Their bond was so special.

After a particularly emotional few days, and as soon as he got the clearance from ortho, Victoria coordinated enabling this patient to go outside to the garden for the first time in months with physical therapy. He was so happy. It was the little things she did for him like buying him his favorite Starbucks drink and favorite video games or bringing him down to the garden for lunch to hang out outside of the room that impacted his daily healing process. In anticipation of his discharge, Victoria put together a video with all of his care providers, including his favorite PT/OTs, nurses, and NPs. She presented the video during a Christmas party that she organized to help him feel special. Her love for nursing and her patients is demonstrated so clearly here. She is a role model to her patients and to her peers. We are so lucky to have such a caring nurse and person on our unit to inspire us every day.