I had the privilege of witnessing Tracy's remarkable nursing skills firsthand when she was assigned as my mother's ICU nurse during her recent hospitalization. Throughout my mother's stay, Tracy demonstrated an extraordinary level of care, kindness, and empathy that left a lasting impact on my family and me.

Despite my mother's inability to communicate, Tracy ensured that Mom was treated with the utmost respect and dignity at all times. Her thoughtful approach to patient care shone through in the way she took the time to explain every procedure and aspect of treatment to my mother, even amidst the pressure and hectic nature of the ICU. She even helped my sister and I deal with our (rather difficult) brother.

What struck me the most about Tracy was her exceptional communication skills. Not only did she maintain open lines of communication with my mother, but she also extended her support to me, ensuring I understood my mother's condition and the steps we needed to take going forward. Tracy went above and beyond to guide me through the process of considering long-term care facilities, providing invaluable advice and assisting me in creating a list of essential questions to ask when I tour them. Her willingness to extend this support beyond her nursing duties truly exemplifies her dedication to the well-being of her patients and their families.

Moreover, Tracy's empathy and emotional support during challenging moments were truly unparalleled. She demonstrated unwavering support and understanding when my family faced difficult decisions regarding my mother's treatment, particularly during the challenging process of attempting to extubate. We knew there was a small chance that Mom would need to be re-intubated. When this unfortunately happened, Tracy was there to console us and provide the reassurance we needed, offering a much-needed source of comfort amidst the emotional turmoil.

In summary, Tracy is a truly exceptional nurse whose impact on the lives of her patients and their families is immeasurable. Her combination of professional competence, communication skills, and boundless empathy make her an invaluable asset to Northwestern Hospital and to the nursing profession. I wholeheartedly endorse Tracy for this prestigious nursing award, as her dedication and commitment to her patients are exemplary and deserving of recognition.