My father, S, had recently been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. He went into septic shock due to a tumor in his colon. He underwent risky emergency surgery and spent 5 days in the ICU. While every one of his nurses was great, one, in particular, was exceptional.

Stephanie is a day-shift RN. When I came into my dad's room that morning, I could immediately tell something was not right. He was quiet, withdrawn, and it was the first morning he was not already up in the chair. Stephanie gave me a rundown of what was going on, he was not feeling well, not hungry, nauseous. She examined all angles of potential causes of nausea and kept us informed of what else we could try. Stephanie also was the first nurse that had asked my dad how he was feeling mentally and emotionally, not just physically. Her commitment to health as a whole was refreshing.

As an oncology nurse myself, I was very appreciative of this. She also listened to all my questions and suggestions and helped facilitate getting my father what he needed. Not only did she take care of my dad that day, but she also took care of me, as it was the first time I let myself feel the sadness of the whole situation. She was there and she took over the "caring" role for my dad so that I could care for myself. Stephanie made a bad day feel a little sunnier, and for that, I am forever grateful.