My mother was admitted to the hospital for the last time, battling congestive heart failure, AFIB, leaky heart valves, and COPD. Her heart just couldn't circulate enough blood efficiently and she had worsening episodes of breathing difficulty or the feeling that she was suffocating. Marie was one of the day nurses on the Medical-Surgical floor that cared for my mother each day. What a kind and compassionate caregiver! She was so gentle with Mom. She always made Mom smile and perk up when she heard her sweet voice. Marie kept Mom comfortable and was right there whenever Mom needed anything. She explained to Mom and anyone else in the room exactly what she was doing and why. Marie always asked Mom if it was OK to do the things she was doing. Before she would leave the room she always made sure we had everything we needed. Marie is the template all nurses should be cut from and I am sure that the student nurses working with her couldn't have a better mentor!