I was the primary RN caring for a patient in the ICU when I was a witness to the most heart-warming moment between my patient and Vanessa Perez.

When Vanessa had admitted the patient, the patient was not breathing well due to COVID and was needing intubation. Fast forward, and the patient had been extubated and was on opti-flow. Vanessa had been trying to communicate with the patient through their glass door with words of encouragement, but the patient was having a hard time understanding and seeing her. Late in the shift, Vanessa gowned up and visited the patient at the bedside. Upon recognizing her face, the patient was brought to tears. The patient thanked Vanessa repeatedly for being there with him in one of the scariest moments of his life.
Vanessa recalled many personal moments from that day, including discussions she had with the patient’s family members. The patient stated they were grateful for all the nursing care they had received thus far, but pointed out that Vanessa's support from that day had helped them and their family through this tough time. Vanessa made sure the patient would pass on her well wishes to his family at the next zoom call.

I want to make sure that Vanessa knows how important she is to her patients and what an honor it is to work alongside her.