My mother was admitted to the ICU. I visited her several times.  My sister had called the hospital that morning and spoke to her nurse, Jessica, who was very helpful to her on the phone. My sister said Jessica would meet me when I arrived. Jessica was as clear and thorough with her explanations of what was going on as she was able, and she was also very transparent in what she was unable to share, which I appreciated. She let me know exactly who to speak to to obtain the information I wanted/needed, and even when they were expected to be in the ICU. Besides her complete willingness to keep me informed, she also went above and beyond in terms of the care I watched her give to my mom. She was gentle and careful, but not coddling, and she had numerous opportunities to be harsh or gruff, as my mother was sometimes being uncooperative, feisty, and even cranky, but never once did she do so. Her patience with my mom and me was greatly appreciated. And what I did not realize until later was that I was supposed to leave the area from 1:00 to 3:00 for "quiet hours" when staff work with patients without the families around. However, Jessica did not alert me to this. Not only did I stay through the designated time, but she also allowed me to help out with my mother. I guided my mom's hands when her bedpan was changed a couple of times, I helped pull her up on the bed by the sheet she was lying on so she could sit up better, re-explained things that were going on to her and around her, and even got to help order her lunch. I tried to stay out of the way and offered to move whenever she came in, but she told me each time that I was fine, and I truly felt that I was. She just gave off a kindness and gentleness that suited the situation perfectly, and it seemed very natural, not like she was faking it for the sake of the family. It was comforting whenever she came in because I knew my mom was getting the best care available, that I was welcome to be there with her, and that she would continue to be treated well after I left. Hers is a difficult and stressful job, and I think it is very necessary to acknowledge when someone in that position has gone above and beyond mere expectations.