As a nursing student, it’s a little scary going into a unit where you are expected to follow nurses and ask questions when it’s known to be a hassle for the staff nurses. However, this was not my case at all. As I was introduced to the unit, it took no time for Holly to swoop me under her wing. She immediately took me around the unit and explained everything in great detail, and most importantly, she explained everything with enthusiasm. She promoted her work environment in a positive way, which honestly made me even more excited to be there. Once the class started, I immediately took notice of how well she worked with the patients. She greeted them with a friendly smile and began assessing them in a comforting way.

The thing I found most admirable about Holly was the way she took the time to listen to what the patients had to say. Even if it was a lengthy story about a problem that had nothing to do with their reason for being there, she was all ears and legitimately cared about what they were saying, and through her actions and rapport with the patients, you could tell she genuinely cares for each patient and their feelings.

While tending to the patients and ensuring they are comfortable and doing well in their exercises, she consistently checked in with me asking if I had any questions or if I thought she forgot to mention or explain anything. She is the type of nurse this world needs. A nurse who genuinely cares about the patient and their well-being, mentally and physically. A nurse who cares about the future nurses of this generation. Who wants students like me to be taken care of and shown all the way the unit works and functions.

Holly has by far been one of the best nurses to be my preceptor and I hope I see her again. Her attitude and skills are remarkable. She absolutely deserves this award and the recognition for the amazing nurse she is. It’s not often you meet nurses like this.