The ANA's definition of Nursing "Nursing integrates the art and science of caring and focuses on the protection, promotion, and optimization of health and human functioning; prevention of illness and injury; facilitation of healing; and alleviation of suffering through compassionate presence. Nursing is the diagnosis and treatment of human responses and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations in recognition of the connection of all humanity."

 As a colleague and fellow nurse, I was fortunate enough to witness this firsthand when Alyssa went above and beyond for a 4-year-old girl in the ED. Neither the parents nor the little girl spoke English; the entire encounter was possible with our iPad interpreter. Alyssa comforted this frightened little girl, kept her parents involved, and sat with them (holding the little girl's arm for the entire antibiotic infusion).

The IV was positional; the little girl was scared, crying, and did not want to be there. Alyssa was very calm, patient, and gentle throughout the entire visit. Her coworkers knew she was preoccupied with this family, stepped up and took the other patients so she could sit and hold this little girl's arm for 15 minutes.

Alyssa, thank you for being the amazing nurse that you are.