Fe is an unbelievably kind and caring nurse and an amazing light of a woman. This past week, she and I worked together to provide care for a young lady in the ICU struck by tragedy so very young. We watched as her family poured in, praying over her and praying for a miracle. We took her down for perfusion scans, and we watched our worst fears show true on the screen that this young girl and her family would not receive the miracle they were hoping for.

As the day progressed, I watched Fe give her the utmost care and respect. I watched and listened as she had to have the hard talks with the family. I watched as our patient’s mother started to break down in the hallway, and Fe, in her kindness, didn’t hesitate for a second to pull her in for a hug and comfort her. After the family walked back to the room, she and I cried at the desk, our hearts just breaking for this family. She then gathered herself and went straight back to caring for not only the patient but the family as well, making sure they had all the information they needed and promising that if she was unsure of an answer, she would find out the answers for them to make this transition as smooth as it could be.

Fe exhibits every quality I would ever want in a nurse. She exudes strength, calmness, compassion, a love for her job, and empathy. Above all, her patients come first, and she fights hard to care for them. There is no one more deserving of the award than Fe, as this is how she responded not only that day but on every shift. Our patients are lucky to be cared for by her, and as staff, we are lucky to have her as a coworker.