From the time I entered the Francis unit, I was extremely sick and in an excruciating amount of pain. Steph immediately showed up with her spunky sense of humor. She went out of her way to try to make a very tired, hurting, grumpy me happy and comfortable. She never took it personally when I wasn't the easiest patient. She showed up to announce it was surgery time with a smile on her face and personally celebrated as if it was her own personal victory because she knew how badly I was wanting/anticipating it. She made me feel very comforted.

After surgery, I was in a lot of pain. I really had no motivation to move or do anything. Stephanie offered nursing solutions that were helpful in both pain relief and speeding up the healing process. Knowing I'm religious, she let me know about the beautiful chapel here and even took me to it, cheering me along the way for my progress. Her nursing interventions were practical and effective but beyond that, she was amazing moral support. I thoroughly enjoyed having her as my nurse. She should get this award based on her knowledge and ability to connect with her patients. She made my experience at Mayo a great one.