Samantha started on this unit as a new grad nurse. In her two years of nursing, she has expanded her knowledge and has grown to become an amazing nurse. I was very proud to get to work alongside her from the start and got to watch her grow. Her confidence shows when something is wrong with her patient, and the level-headed actions she takes to make them better are astounding. She has also been a huge help to the other nurses as well. Always there to lend a hand or advice.

For example, a nurse had a patient whose BP was steadily dropping. Sam asked the nurse if she needed help or what she could do to help this patient. She obtained a manual BP and reached out to the provider. A rapid was called on this patient, and they had to be intubated at the bedside and sent to ICU. Sam was there the whole time, making sure that the nurse was okay, escalating to the provider, making connections with the house supervisor, and recording the event.

Another example of why she deserves to win this award is her willingness to teach. We have had an influx of new grad nurses who have needed a person they feel comfortable going to and asking questions. Sam brings a bright light to nursing. When she is asked a question, even if she doesn't know the answer, her response is always, " Of course I will help you" or "I don't know, but we will find out together". This type of attitude makes new nurses feel confident in the skills they are developing. I learn from her everyday even though I'm not a nurse yet. I hope I can be at least half the nurse she is one day!