I loved Maria from the moment she walked into the room. I am full of anxiety and panic. I had to get a blood transfusion and she explained, in great detail, the entire procedure in order to bring me peace. She talked to me and kept giving me positive affirmations. She did awesome. And even after being released, she helped me with my clothing just so I wouldn’t strain myself. It’s nurses like her that make hospitals great. God bless her.

***

Maria's nomination for this award comes as no surprise to me. She exhibits the actions that support our values in her daily work. The nomination story from the patient that submitted it captures her servant's heart. Her actions show an extraordinary act of compassion that contributed to the dignity of the patient. Her selfless acts of compassion are witnessed with every patient that she cares for. It's amazing to work with someone who exhibits excellence by going beyond being a skilled clinician, in that she's compassionate and ensures that each patient's dignity is a priority. Her relationship-centered approach is evident not only in caring for every one of her patients, but she cares for her peers the same way.