John was my nurse in the neuro ICU following cervical spine surgery. John has the perfect balance of excellent nursing skills, a sense of humor when appropriate, and compassion during a difficult time for me. John's bedside manner cannot be taught in the classroom. Nursing clinical and theory skills are taught in the classroom. John's ability to change his approach to my care based on my immediate needs is an innate skill that enables John to stand out from other nurses. The care during my immediate post-op period was instrumental to my recovery.