Recently, I spent time as a patient on Tower 8. On a Sunday, after a particularly difficult Saturday night, I was included in Mary's assignment. There was a full unit census, so I knew the staff was stretched. Whenever Mary came into the room I always felt as though I was her only patient and the complete focus of her attention. Never did she give the impression that she needed to do what had to be done and move on. In other words, she was present in the moment. As an example, one particular medication required being administered over 2.5 minutes. During that time she sat and administered the medication and engaged me in therapeutic conversation.

I was in room 8021 which had bad memories for me due to the untimely death of a patient under my care during my orientation as a new graduate nurse several years ago. When Mary became aware of this, she put the wheels in motion to have me transferred to another room. She had me transferred before the end of her shift. It was a blessing.

I was aware of her approach to patient care. Now being on the receiving side, I attest to the fact that she is just what she appears to be: a caring, giving, attentive, and compassionate nurse. She is an asset to her unit.