On an early Saturday morning after spending hours in the ER and Cath lab, I was transitioned to my room with 4 stents and a whole new world of medical vocabulary, beeping monitors, tangled tubes, IVs and frightened family. The PCU team was welcoming and professional as they quickly integrated me into the world of the PCU. One person stood out in the days that followed; my nurse, Ning, exemplified the "best" in nursing care.

Ning took charge of her new patient in a compassionate, kind, positive and reassuring way, yet always with a sense of humor. Ning did an excellent job teaching me about heart disease, my procedure, the monitors, the precautions and the overall plan to get well. She made daily lists for me, explained what she was doing each step of the way, asked about my comfort, charted my progress and encouraged me all the way. She explained the role of a good diet stating that "avocados" were a magical food. Ning was so inspiring that she prompted a family member to bring in a whole basket the next day!

Ning should be recognized for her positive energy, cardiac knowledge, professionalism and overall ability to put the patient and family at ease. She is truly one of the best. It was my privilege to have Ning as my nurse.