Deveda consistently receives praise from her patients for her transparency, compassion, and dedication to their care. Today, I witnessed a moment that truly exemplifies the extraordinary nurse and human being she is.

We had a patient who, in a moment of intense anxiety, suddenly decided she needed to leave. She was experiencing a panic attack-her phone had died, and she felt isolated without a way to contact her family. In distress, she ran out of the unit and toward the elevators. Several staff members followed, concerned for her well-being and hoping to convince her to stay.

Although this wasn't Deveda's patient, she immediately stepped in to help. With remarkable calm and empathy, she approached the patient and gently invited her to sit with her on a nearby bench. Using a soft and reassuring tone, Deveda began to comfort her, calmly repeating that we were there to support her in every way possible. With each word Deveda spoke, you could visibly see the patient's panic begin to ease.

Her demeanor softened, her breathing slowed, and she began to trust again. It was a deeply moving moment—a perfect example of what it means to provide care not just clinically, but with genuine heart. The patient ultimately decided to stay after we made her comfortable and provided a phone charger so she could connect with her family. She later wrote a note to the team, expressing gratitude for prioritizing her well-being and apologizing for her earlier behavior.

Nursing is truly Deveda's calling, and I am incredibly grateful to have her on our team.