Hanna completed her internship in the SNICU this semester. This can be a challenging setting, not only because of the fast-paced environment and patient acuity, but also because of the life changing events that often bring patients and families to the SNICU. From the beginning of her practice there, Hanna demonstrated her extreme empathy and compassion. Students are challenged with a steep learning curve in this setting, yet Hanna was not distracted by all the lines, drains, tubes, and clinical decisions facing her. She always saw each patient as a person with a story. One day while making a clinical visit, I noticed that Hanna had gone into the room of a young woman who was not her patient. A young man who had been visiting with this patient came out of the room and was quite agitated. The tension in the air was palpable. About 20 minutes later, Hanna emerged from the room, cool, calm and collected. She explained to me that there had been concern about domestic abuse and the staff had asked her to further assess this situation, as she had cared for this patient the previous shift and had established trust with this woman. Hanna knew all the right questions to ask and was unafraid to ask them in her direct but gentle, caring manner. A heart to heart conversation transpired, Hanna learned of the depression and anxiety tormenting this woman, and appropriate resources were discussed. Another difficult situation that Hanna handled with grace was when she cared for a young husband and father who was in his last hours, dying of cancer in the high-tech environment of the SNICU. Everyone was having a very difficult time letting go, and emotions were high. Hanna was able to compose herself at the beginning of the shift in order to be able to give the best care to this patient and his family during this extremely sad time. She summoned the strength to be fully present to this family, to care for their loved one with tenderness, always communicating with him even when unresponsive, and supporting the family every step of the way. The family hugged her before leaving the unit and expressed their deep appreciation to her preceptor about the compassionate care Hanna had provided. Hanna's preceptor remarked to me that with every single patient, no matter their situation, personality, or behavior, Hanna treated them with dignity and respect, and made sure that all their needs were met. Hanna was an outstanding student who is intellectually curious, self-aware, conscientious, and highly motivated to stretch and challenge herself in order to continually learn and grow and provide excellent patient care. As her preceptor said, Hanna is going to be an amazing nurse!