Tere has been nominated by a colleague for her extraordinary devotion to her calling. Tere has been recognized as someone who connects with those in her care on a fundamentally human level, all while maintaining a professional nursing relationship. Her ability to see people as more than a sick person in a bed allows her to recognize and act on their needs appropriately.

Tere was caring for an patient who had traveled to Kansas City from Oklahoma to attend his sister's funeral. He began suffering respiratory difficulties leading to failure and was admitted to the ICU. Tere took the time to sit down and discuss at great length the man's situation. She asked about his family and found that he had recently been unable to attend the funerals of two other sisters. He had been too ill to travel. He felt it was imperative that he be able to come here this time to be with his family and honor his loved one.

Tere took it upon herself to initiate a plan to accomplish his wishes. She facilitated arrangements by asking doctors to round on this patient as early as possible and to approve a temporary leave. With that in place it would be feasible for him to depart by 9am. Tere also coordinated with another relative to arrange transportation and interim care. She printed the temporary leave policy and outlined the measures necessary to make it possible to meet this man's needs.

This story shows how Tere attends to her patient's medical requirements, but goes further to attend to his needs as a person in emotional distress. Tere also encouraged the nurse who nominated her to continue caring for him in the same manner. This is just one example of her excellence as nurse with which Tere commits to caring for the entire person.

Thank you Tere for all that you do for both our patients and the staff at Saint Luke's East Hospital. The impact you have reaches further than you can ever imagine. We are so lucky to have you as a member of the team!