Barb Nice is an extraordinary nurse because she always keeps the patient at the center of all she does. Although Barb's title has been Care Manager for the past several years, I would still classify her as a bedside nurse. When she visits with patients about their needs and discharge planning, she pulls a chair up to the bedside and really listens, often times holding a hand. Whomever she is with, she gives her undivided attention, and at that moment, that patient is the most important person in the world. Barb will pitch in and change sheets, empty urinals, re-position a patient, walk patients to the bathroom when those things are not technically in her job description.

Barb is an amazing resource for patients and can counsel them on anything from alcohol and drug abuse assistance to helping patients and families through the process of dying and choosing Hospice care. Barb always makes the patient's agenda hers. For example, sometimes we have in our mind what is best for a patient, like maybe going to a nursing home instead of going home. Barb listens to the patient and respectfully makes their goal hers so if the patient's goal is to go home, Barb creatively thinks of ways to make this happen by recommending home health care, getting parish nursing involved, or lining up family members to take turns caring for the patient at home.

I feel so blessed that I get to work with her and learn from her vast knowledge base in nursing. She is always kind to everyone and always goes above and beyond. She routinely works extra hours covering for other Care Managers that need time off. She calls high risk patients after discharge to see how they are getting along at home. She is an excellent resource, leader, and mentor to our department, our hospital, and most importantly, our patients.