The patient was one that we were familiar with and had been on our unit a few times. She came from very limited resources and had several young children at home. The day that I remember, the patient had shared with nurse Traci that it was her son's birthday. She then broke down crying and proceeded to tell Traci that she felt so bad because she was yet again in the hospital and he had to come here on his birthday to see her and that they had no money to get him anything for his birthday. Traci comforted the patient and calmed her. Then a little later, before the little boy arrived, Traci went to the gift shop and bought a few items and a birthday card for the little boy with her own money. She then took the gifts into the patient to give to her son. The patient was then crying tears of joy.

I feel like Traci definitely went above and beyond for that patient and her son. I mean, being in the hospital is stressful enough and for her to alleviate a small amount of that patient's stress with such a small gesture is incredible in my eyes. This is just one example that comes to mind, but Traci exhibits this sort of kindness and excellence on a daily basis with her patient's and I can think of no one more deserving of this honor.