My sister-in-law had metastatic breast cancer and was transported to the Emergency Department (ED) by ambulance late at night. I sat with her family as an overwhelming number of medical interventions were happening. We were told by the physician that her condition was critical and that her prognosis was poor.

My sister-in-law passed two days after that night in the ED. Her primary nurse during her time in the ED was a gentleman named Zach. There really just are not the right words of gratitude for Zach and the exceptional care that he provided to her and her loved ones that night. He was kind and gentle, extremely knowledgeable, and he explained things well. He demonstrated outstanding clinical skills and responded promptly to alarms, beeps, and changes in clinical status. He was proactive and present, available when needed, but he was also quiet at all the right times.

He cared about comfort and pain management. Zach was calm when the world felt like chaos and everything that he did during an incredibly stressful time was meaningful and compassionate. When she was first diagnosed with cancer, I told her that I expected nothing but the best from every member of her healthcare team and that her nurses specifically better always be a 10 out of 10. As a nurse myself, I want to thank Zach for embodying everything a nurse can and should be. As someone who has lost a beloved family member and dear friend, I want to thank Zach for being a 10 out of 10 nurse. I know that I will never forget Zach and the outstanding care that he provided.