Our journey together started exactly one year ago. I started as an OB NCLEX coach at WCU is when I met her. Allison was always a very dedicated student and her passion and drive to learn was impressive. I had Allison in my med-surge 3 critical care class, and she was so passionate about learning and grasping the knowledge needed to be a great nurse that she asked me to allow her to sit in my course the semester prior to her start date. I did not, but I sent her all the information she needed to review. Having her in my course she was an exceptional student. She is a dedicated student and her performances have been commendable.

In speaking with her clinical instructors, her ability in the clinical setting was also very impressive, her drive to learn, helping others, not only her patients and their families but her fellow classmates, going above and beyond.

One of the reasons her classmates nominated her as the class speaker. She has successfully demonstrated compassion for others; accepting feedback in a mature manner; demonstrating responsibility and accountability. She has consistently demonstrated an ability to rise to any challenge that she must face.

In our course discussion and defining a compassionate nurse as one who is empathetic to the pain and suffering of patients, which is vital to the patients' well-being. Giving compassionate care makes patients more comfortable when they're in pain, feeling ill, or suffering from mental or emotional stress.

In demonstrating compassion, you provide your patients with the support and confidence they need to prepare for a lengthy recovery, face a frightening surgical procedure or fight a devastating disease. These were the beliefs that Allison shared as important when caring for her patients.