Recently, we had a patient in the unit that sat heavily with the team. This patient came in for what was supposed to be a routine procedure that took a major turn. This patient was sitting in bed talking to staff one minute then intubated fighting for her life the next minute. Sadly, she did not win the fight. She was only 45 years old and had an 8-year-old daughter.

The reason why Kuniko is beyond deserving of this award is because of the limitless compassion she provides not only to her patients but also to their loved ones. This is just one example. Kuniko took the time to write a letter to the daughter, letting her know that her mom loved her very much and how she went peacefully holding onto what the daughter had written her the day before. Kuniko goes above and beyond what is expected of her and beyond the job. She is a reminder of why nursing is a work of heart.