This extraordinary young lady helped us dramatically during my 93-year-old mother's stay in the hospital for pneumonia. After 4 horrific days of trying to get Doctors to call back, medications to be ordered, and clarifying instructions that had been relayed correctly, Laura was assigned to us when our mother was moved out of the ICU (against our wishes) to the 4th floor. Laura immediately took charge and gave us a sense of comfort that we would be listened to and that my mother mattered, even though she was 93 and had dementia.

Most importantly, Laura recognized when I was struggling with her and even without my asking, contacted the Doctor and made sure he was aware of what she was observing and how caring for mother was wearing on us. Because of this, she was able to provide not only myself, the caregiver, a respite from the exhaustion but also my mother who was desperately needing sedation so that she could rest, the medications she needed. It made a world of difference to my family and I'm sure helped my mother ultimately rest so that she could recover and go back home to more familiar surroundings.

My only regret is that Laura didn't work the day that mother was discharged so she could see how much better she was. I mentioned her to the patient advocate and told her how I hoped she'd be able to obtain her RN. Laura shared that she is undergoing treatment for breast cancer currently, so I wish her the absolute best and want her to know that she made a difference not only to us but to my mother who, a few days earlier, we did not think would ever be going home. I hope she can be recognized for the fine caring individual she is, and know that her instincts and care made all the difference to us.