I want to take a moment to tell you about Megan, a nurse who exemplifies what it means to truly care for her patients. Megan goes above and beyond every single day, and today was no exception. We had a patient come in with cerebral palsy who was feeling scared and alone. Many would have chosen the easiest route to calm the situation, perhaps resorting to sedation. But not Megan. She saw the fear in that patient’s eyes and knew they needed more than medicine—they needed connection, comfort, and someone to care.

Megan brought toys from her own children for the patient to play with, creating a space of fun and joy that changed the energy in the room entirely. She went even further, printing out coloring materials to give the patient something to do, keeping them engaged and occupied in a positive way. But what stood out the most was how she sat beside the patient, holding their hand, speaking gently, and reassuring them that they were not alone. She gave her time, her energy, and her heart—and it made all the difference.

This isn’t the first time I’ve seen Megan go above and beyond. She often takes time to sit with our dementia patients, holding their hands and soothing them with her soft voice. She has this way of making everyone she cares for feel valued and respected, regardless of their age, background, or circumstances. Where others might see a difficult situation, Megan sees an opportunity to make someone’s day a little better. I’ve watched other nurses in similar situations choose sedation or shortcuts to keep a patient calm. But Megan doesn’t take shortcuts—she chooses the hard, meaningful work of showing every patient that they matter.

She truly sees each person she cares for, and it’s inspiring to witness. Megan’s kindness and dedication are incredible. She reminds us all what it means to be a nurse: to care deeply, to act with compassion, and to treat every patient with dignity and love. She doesn’t just do her job; she makes a difference.