Joy Kuerner is a nurse whose kindness knows no bounds and whose care has touched the hearts of everyone she has encountered. In the hustle and bustle of the medical world, where time is a precious commodity, she finds the time to sit by the bedside of her patients, listening intently to their fears and concerns. She holds their hands with a tenderness that reassures them that they are not alone in their struggle. Her ability to provide not just medical care, but also emotional support, is what sets her apart.

Joy is a bright light with an infectious smile. Families have recognized her for the empathy, love, and care that she delivers with each interaction. Joy's ability to see beyond the illness and recognize the person beneath the medical condition makes her genuinely remarkable. She treats each patient as unique, understanding that healing is not just about addressing physical ailments but also nurturing the spirit and the soul. Her genuine concern for the well-being of others is not confined to the hospital walls; she extends her kindness to her patients' families, offering them solace and support during their moments of distress.

One special family, both to our unit and Joy, has described her as "an exceptional human being, an extraordinary nurse, and a member of our family." If you want to see Joy smile and light up the room, ask her about her beautiful daughter, her fantastic husband, and her grandchildren. As an ICU, I would like us to let her dedication be a beacon, guiding us all to be more compassionate, understanding, and giving.