Stefanie Coombs is truly deserving of this recognition and on a daily basis represents the pinnacle of nursing excellence. She acknowledges each patient's individual needs and continually seeks opportunities for patient education. One example of this care is the persistent education she provided for a non-compliant diabetic being treated by our anesthesia pain service. While other people accepted the patient's tenacious attitude, Stefanie spent a great deal of time encouraging the patient to become more compliant with her insulin use. Weeks passed and the patient returned to the unit for a follow up injection. Much to everyone's shock she had started managing her diabetes. We feel that this was directly related to the compassionate care that she continually provides.