My first contact with Althea Pierre was on my first week on the job at Maimonides. She was working in the Resuscitation Area of the Emergency Department. An uncooperative and verbally abusive patient in the next bed that was assigned to the other nurse had refused all efforts by the ER staff to get his bloods drawn. I watched as Althea gently talked to the patient, and finally, after all others had failed before her, she calmed him down. Although the Resuscitation Room was busy that day, she competently took care of the patients under her care, and yet still managed to treat that first patient and his family with respect; she was able to break through the barriers put on the by the patient, then received their trust and cooperation. When she noticed me, she introduced herself, gave me a bright smile and a welcome hug. I left the room thinking, “what a beautiful nurse she is”.

My first impression was further strengthened by subsequent observations of her competent and compassionate care to her patients. Her positive and professional attitude remained constant and she seemed to have an incandescent light about her as she cheerfully went about her duties. She provided the human touch that bridged the gap between technology and the basic concept of nursing: caring.

And now, I’m stunned by the news that she is sick and will be going for surgery. Through all the emotional and physical turmoil that she is going through, she still managed to email her thanks for the help that the ER staff had given her and also gave words of encouragement and hope to the staff. She tries to give comfort when she is the one who needs it the most. She is an angel among us.