My dad had severe heart disease diagnosed after his first episode of chest pain. He went from the ER to the Cath Lab and then had open heart surgery in less than a week. We were all anxious about the surgery and dreading the pain and struggle of his recovery process. He made it out of the ICU in record time, and that first post-op day in the SPCU was brutal for him. Multiple chest tubes, sternal incision, severe shortness of breath and chest pain with walking made it the hardest day of his recovery. We met his nurse, Ashton, as soon as he got to his room. My dad had walked from the ICU to the SPCU, less than 24 hours after his surgery. It was really hard and he couldn’t get comfortable. Ashton provided just the right amount of professionalism and focus, balanced with kindness and compassion. She was attentive without being intrusive. She made the family feel welcome but always stayed on task. The nursing assistant helped my dad transfer from the chair to the bed, and it didn’t go well. He had a lot of pain and the assistant left him in an uncomfortable position with no help. When Ashton found out, she asked my dad to call her instead next time. She went above and beyond, and helped him with the next transfer. It went so much better because she taught him how to support himself with minimal discomfort. Ashton understood the surgery and how it affected mobility and post-op pain. She was able to educate my dad so he could gain a little more independence and reduce his level of pain. I am a physician and have worked with many nurses. I was really impressed with Ashton and so thankful she eased the pain of that rough first day after surgery.