Mica’s nomination came from the mother of a patient who praised Mica’s care and compassion toward her son. Mica mixed ice with the patient’s apple juice so that it was as cold as he liked it. When the vending machines didn’t have strawberry or grape diet drinks, Mica got them for him. She made sure his pills were crushed tiny enough so that he would take his medication. “We saw that same care with other patients,” the mother said. “She is an example of an exemplary nurse.”