Lori Maloney understands what it truly means to be patient and family centered care focused. If you asked her, she would probably just say "I am doing my job," and that she does not do anything extraordinary or different than others.

Although I have had the pleasure to work with Lori as her boss, I am writing this nomination through the eyes of a family member.

Lori is an amazing person. I have seen the amazing care she gives to her patients and family on a daily basis but it wasn't until December 27th, when my younger sister became a patient in the hospice room unexpectedly, that I was able to see Lori through a different lens, the lens of a grieving family member. My family and I were blessed to have had Lori as one of my sister's nurses. Lori spent the evening shift with us, not only taking care of my sister, but caring for all of her family members as well. She was able to communicate with us in such a sensitive and understanding manner, her voice was quiet and soothing to us, and we never had to ask for a thing; it was as if she knew what we needed before we even knew we needed it.

Through my sister's entire encounter with Lori, she was treated with respect and dignity, and Lori allowed my family and me to participate and make decisions throughout the entire process. She always portrayed herself as if she had all the time in the world for us, - she was never in a rush - while all the time giving a gentle stroke, a kind word or as simple as a compassionate look. She made my family and me so comfortable that we did not have to worry about a thing; all we had to worry about was being with our loved one during her last hours of life.

At the time I didn't realize it, but looking back now as I write this nomination form, I realize how important it was not to have to worry about anything else but simply being at our loved one's side. Lori is the one that helped make this happen for us.