I recently had the honor of hearing about the incredible impact RN Karlee Griep made in the life of a patient and family during his end-of-life journey.

Karlee is not only compassionate in her caregiving, but she also brings the wonderful gift of humor and authenticity of self to forge genuine heart-to-heart connections with those in her care. Around the bedside, the patient and family just raved about Karlee and the joy she brings to even the most tender and difficult moments of life. The patient’s spouse said, “Karlee had been G’s nurse for only a few days, but they have become fast friends – like they have shared a life-long friendship.”

Karlee is truly an Extraordinary Nurse to give the gift of something new (friendship) even as someone nears the end of their life journey, a gift that helped that patient remain who he was all the way. The family personally brought Karlee flowers and multiple cards of gratitude. It is certainly an honor to nominate Karlee in recognition of her incredible nursing care and to hear firsthand the impact of love on this patient and family journey.