Andrea’s clinical skills and especially her compassionate care exemplify the kind of nurse that our patients, their families, and our staff recognize as an outstanding role model. She consistently meets all the following criteria:

1. Uncompromising commitment to compassionate, ethical, quality patient care.

2. Dedication to providing extraordinary service with each opportunity.

3. Commitment to enhancing quality of life.

4. Respect for everyone.

I worked alongside Andrea as a student for several weeks. There was a patient on the floor who would yell out and scream. His nurse appeared worn out and frustrated. Andrea picked up on the cues from the nurse that she needed a break. She volunteered to assist with this patient and help feed him lunch. She entered the room with a positive and upbeat tone of voice. She told the patient she was very excited to visit with him and that she had his food. He was impatient and would yell and say impolite things to her at times because of his head injury. She remained respectful and kind to him during the entire meal. She asked him questions about his life and expressed genuine interest in what he had to say. The patient apologized for his behavior toward her near the end of his meal. She responded with, “you do not need to apologize, I know you are in pain and I want to help.”

She understands that patients' behavior is often a reflection of their frustrations and is a way for them to express their needs. I appreciate learning from her and want to emulate that constant compassion for the feelings of the patient without letting frustration affect me or the care I provide. She is always willing to help her fellow team members and never wavers on her kindness and compassion toward her patients. She never expresses any judgment of their actions and provides thorough and exceptional care.