Linda is an amazing student, but it is her stellar clinical performance that places her in a class by herself. Linda attended her clinical rotation at a nursing home. She was one of the most compassionate and caring students I have ever seen.
There was an adult, terminally ill patient with Down Syndrome who was on hospice; his death was imminent. The patient had no family or friends to be with him during his final days. Linda refused to leave his side. She wanted to remain with him, even after clinicals, so that he would not die alone. It is that level of commitment to the field of nursing that makes me proud of Linda. She exemplifies the caring spirit and essence of this prestigious award.