Rita exemplifies what it is to be a true team leader. As a unit coordinator for 2E/2N Neurology, she actively strives to create a positive work environment for her co-workers as well as a healing environment for her patients; and does so successfully. She treats her co-workers with respect and compassion and has even been nicknamed "Mama Rita" by her weekend staff in large part because of her caring nature and her willingness to help anyone. She is always available for anything from questions about protocols to lab draws to toileting patients or even acting as the care partner for one half of the split unit while still working diligently to finish her own work. She is consistently there to answer questions when needed but also pushes her fellow nurse to critically think and use their available resources so that one day, they can be a resource for others as well. She supports her team like no other. On top of it all, Rita does not have to be asked for help, she just does it. Rita is also phenomenal with patients on and off the unit. An example, was when a patient had a severe aphasia and multiple times I witnessed Rita attempting for long periods of time to communicate with this patient all while the patient and Rita both had huge smiles on their faces from the interaction. The patient was just happy that someone was taking the time to listen to her and you could tell she felt special during those interactions. I have also witnessed Rita connect so much with her patients that when they get transferred off the unit, they still request her and she gladly goes to visit them even if that means she gets no break for herself. In conclusion, every single night working with Rita is going to be a great night. Even if it's not, she will find a way to have you laughing about it by the time you're punching out. Rita makes our unit a great place to work and is loved and appreciated by so many. She demonstates daily what it means to be not only a leader, but also an exceptional human being.