Maggie went above and beyond for a 6-year-old patient who was hospitalized on the day before her birthday. Upon learning that the child was sad about not having a birthday party, Maggie began planning a way to help brighten up her hospital stay. She made a paper birthday crown and banner for her room with hand-drawn pictures which she placed in the room as well as some birthday presents that she found in the toy drawer of the ICU. The final surprise was cookies that she had found on the unit and confirmed with the child’s mother that she could eat. Upon awakening, the patient was delighted to have presents and Maggie there to wish her a happy birthday.

ICU nurses, or critical care nurses, are emergency healthcare providers who care for patients facing severe illnesses or conditions that need close supervision. Not only are they highly skilled and knowledgeable, but they also keep calm under pressure often managing multiple critical functions simultaneously. Maggie’s focus on providing compassionate and personalized care for her patients embodied that community spirit that Barton hospital provides to its patients. This was one of many examples of her professionalism and mastery of the artful side of nursing.