I have been on this unit for >10 days, with her being my nurse multiple times. Not only does she have amazing compassion, empathy, and a bedside manner, but she finds ways to connect on every level. One night, I had a bad reaction to a medicine and developed severe anxiety and energy. The only thing I could do between 2-4 am was walk it off. Anike saw me, asked what I needed, and she said, "Ok, so let's walk." And that's what we did, walking laps up and down the unit until I got tired.

My wife had great anxiety over who was taking care of me as we had some unsafe experiences in the past, but through Anike's knowledge, personality, and care, my wife felt safe going home and trusting me in Anike's care, even during two bouts of negative drug reactions. Anike also spoke to my wife several times to put her at ease regarding how she would care for me. When my kids came to visit, Anike took the time to interact with them and assured them that Dad was in good hands.

Another example is. One day, I received news that put me further from a diagnosis/solution. I returned from the catheterization lab, literally in tears, as the results refuted a potential diagnosis that would have been easy to treat and help my symptoms, and I was again left in a quandary. I spent the day sad and in tears. Anike just came in for her nightshift, she knew this test was today, she checked my results and came into see me. Walking through my room, she said, "Are you ok?" and before I got the words out, her arms were around me. She knew the results would be more than upsetting. She sat with me for a few minutes and let me vent. She said, "We will figure this out together; your doctors are great, they will figure this out, and you have me every step of the way." Then she hugged me again. Those words were so reassuring. It's so hard to count on people in this world, but there was no doubt her words were true.

My kids wanted to see the helicopter that lands outside my window, but didn't get to. So, Anike shared multiple videos of the helicopter with us for their enjoyment. I can't count the times she made me laugh and shared a story to lift my spirits during what was an extremely tough week. The best part was that she was just being herself. I don't think I would have survived this past week mentally or emotionally if not for her. Doctors are perplexed by my condition, and I had moments that were very scary, but Anike always put me at ease. She is a true gift, not only to this unit but to the nursing profession. She connects in such a real way. It wasn't business or something she was taught. She wasn't trying to get a high score on some review... she defines" "genuine," and that's something that can't be taught. I'll add more... I witnessed and overheard her constantly providing assistance to others despite her being at capacity. She handled all situations calmly and gracefully. She demonstrated unparalleled leadership qualities. She was doing so while making me feel like I was her only patient. Every daily interaction was a positive one. She is inspirational to me, uplifting to the unit, and a helping hand to all. Anike is special.

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There are so many instances that I retell; however, they all have the same common denominator - patient and family satisfaction. Anike goes above and beyond to assist patients and their families. I have seen her de-escalate even the most delicate cases. Situations where both patient and staff members were frustrated, Anike was able to defuse this particular situation. I can't tell specifics due to patient privacy. However, she went beyond to assist the patient, and they were so grateful to her. We were all grateful. Anike forms amazing bonds with all her patients. She is brilliant, funny, knowledgeable, and a compassionate nurse. She has a way of making patients smile and feel at ease.