I started my nursing career two years ago and spent the first 18 months caring for patients with COVID-19. It was a challenging time as a new nurse, and our unit often needed the help of the Rapid Response nurse, as patients with COVID-19 were known to rapidly decline. I had a patient who was not doing well, and Lori responded to my call. Although I was young, she talked to me as an equal and attentively listened to the concerns I had while keeping the patient calm. All I could think at the moment was, "That is the nurse I wanted to be when I grow up."

A few months after that, I applied to the PCU/CCU (Progressive Care Unit/Critical Care Unit) in hopes of someday being a Rapid Response nurse myself. Lori is often my charge nurse on the unit and her wisdom, and willingness to help and care for her patients, were not isolated to that day. I am grateful to learn and grow in my career with the guidance of Lori and other experienced nurses in the unit.