I am the patient’s sister from Arizona and had the privilege of witnessing the profound impact that nurse Andrea had on my sister. My sister was first admitted to the ICU and spent a week there. Nurse Andrea was one of the nurses in the ICU this week.

The following week, she was transferred to the general floor and stayed there for less than 24 hours. She unfortunately needed to be transferred back to the ICU. Nurse Andrea saw us back in the ICU and was very surprised we were back so soon. We explained in detail the commotion on the 7th floor. She mentioned working the next day and expressed interest in taking care of my sister again.

Nurse Andrea then spoke to her supervisor to change her patient assignments. After a few hours, she came back reporting she would be with my sister the next day. My nephew and I were really happy.

Then came my last day visiting my sister at the hospital before returning home to Arizona. Generally, only two people are allowed to visit a patient in the ICU. When my nephew told nurse Andrea that I was outside in the lobby waiting for my turn to visit, as my nephew and niece were already in the room, nurse Andrea came out to the lobby and got permission for me to be with my sister because I only had three hours before I was going to leave for the airport.

Nurse Andrea's very simple gesture is a strong example of her exemplary character. With every interaction, nurse Andrea demonstrated the true spirit of excellence.