When describing the kind of nurse that Paula is, one must use the words: unfailingly reliable and relentlessly patient. Countless times, I have been assigned to work with Paula as my nurse. Like a rock, I feel her presence behind me, solid, offering me unwavering support and guidance. One thing about Paula is that she has the sweetest, kindest voice that you could ever have the pleasure of listening to, and she is, again, relentless in her kindness. I have seen her calm down incredibly agitated patients with her voice alone.

And oh, my goodness, does she go above and beyond for patients, especially those with CMO orders. Absolute warmth exuding from her! It would be my dream to have a nurse like her if ever I or my family end up in the hospital. There are so many separate, wild encounters that I could describe that Paula has gracefully dealt with, but the thing that stands out to me the most is actually something quite small. When I first came to work on the unit, we were very understaffed with PCAs, and there was a lot going on. For the first time ever, I was asked off-handedly by a nurse to quickly take a peripheral IV out of a patient's arm for discharge, as the transport was already here.

It was a high-stress period in the shift overall. There was a lot happening - the EMTs were here, and most importantly, I did not know how to take out an IV. The nurse scurried away, my face was pale, and I was overcome with a moment of panic. There was no one around--I couldn't help but feel very alone. I knew I needed help, but I had no idea who would offer their time and patience during such a chaotic time. But then I hear the sweetest voice whisper, "Hey, do you want me to show you how to take out an IV?"

There was such a welcome and open look to her face, absolutely devoid of judgment, and a hint of a mischievous smile. I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that Paula was going to be my person. And she really, really is. She helped me without me even asking her! I look up to Paula so much, from how tall she stands to her confidence, grace, and wealth of knowledge. But mostly, I aspire to have her kindness. There was something so reassuring in that moment. I didn't know many people, and I had no one to turn to for help. I felt like I stood out, yet I also felt utterly insignificant. Like a beacon, Paula was suddenly there, drawing me in and guiding me.