We have had a complex surgical patient under our care for over 90 days in our ICU. Everyone on the healthcare team is dedicated to this patient’s success, but Abby has always gone above and beyond. When the patient was suffering from acute delirium, Abby was holding warm washcloths to their face, repeatedly reassuring and reorienting the patient with kindness and unparalleled patience for many shifts. She advocated for and facilitated transporting this patient and their many medical devices outside so the patient could feel the sun on their skin after 60 days in the ICU setting.

She created a diagram with medical supplies to educate the patient on their wound and teach them dressing changes. The patient will be taking the diagram home for reference should there be any confusion with transition of care. She titrated lifesaving medications with expertise. Today she developed a medication template to alleviate stress and confusion during discharge. I firmly believe Abby is one of the reasons why this patient is successfully recovering from their extensive surgical stay.

Abby’s dedication to this patient’s physical and mental well-being is the reason why we are able to discharge this patient home. Without her, and her determined, holistic collaboration with the team, this patient would not be returning to their family. Abby is a beautiful example of what it means to be a kind, compassionate, competent, and caring nurse. She brings knowledge and brightness to every patient interaction, and we are privileged to work with her.