Megan is a very thorough nurse who consistently checks her orders and ensures all of her patients' needs are met. Most recently, we had a patient who had grown true to our unit's heart. She had a lengthy first hospitalization, but was ultimately discharged in good condition, only to come back for yet another lengthy admission with some additional complications.

Although for some this patient was seen as complex and hard to manage at times, Megan always made sure her dressings were cared for, her ostomy pouch was changed, and the patient grew a good connection with her over time. The telling tale that compelled me to write this nomination of gratitude stems from actions taken by Megan as the team was preparing the patient for discharge home after this long and complicated stay. There was concern that her dressing orders may be complex, although she was moving around very well independently, and we did not want her to fail at home and have to return with the inability to complete these dressing changes and potentially worsening her condition.

Megan took the time out of a busy day shift assignment to perform the dressing change with her and drew her neat pictures for each and every step so she could take it home with her should she ever forget. Although Megan joked that this was worthy of an award, anyone who knows her as a practicing nurse would say she would never do these types of things for recognition. She does it because she truly cares for the patient and wants them to be successful. The compassion she showed in that moment may have seemed small in that moment, but it is the little things like this during the busiest of days that make our patients feel so respected and cared for. She has always been a committed member of the 3 West team since 2021 and often makes jokes to make light of situations, but deep down, she is an outstanding nurse who demonstrates the true meaning of care and compassion, and that has shown through in each new grad she has played a hand in onboarding. I know the patient is eternally grateful for even this small act of kindness, which may have changed her life and increased her chances of being a successful discharge home.