There are some people in this world who leave an indelible mark on the lives of everyone they touch. In our ICU unit, that person is Mildred.

For more than 25 years, Mildred has served in the Critical Care Unit at AMC with a level of compassion, grace, integrity, and dedication that is nothing short of extraordinary. She is not only a nurse—we proudly call her our sister, our mother, our friend, our guide, and our heart. Through decades of change, challenge, and growth, Mildred has remained a steadfast and comforting presence, anchoring our team with her love, her wisdom, and her unwavering commitment to others.

From the moment you step into the unit, you can feel the difference when Mildred is there. She goes above and beyond in everything she does—not for recognition, but because she genuinely cares. Whether it’s helping a co-worker finish a task, whether it’s a new nurse overwhelmed by their first code, or a seasoned colleague silently carrying the weight of emotional exhaustion, or offering guidance when no one else even realizes you’re struggling, Mildred is always the first to step forward. She doesn't want to be asked—she just knows, and she acts. And in doing so, she makes everyone feel seen, valued, and supported.

Mildred is the definition of teamwork and selflessness. In her, we find someone who not only holds herself to the highest standards but lifts us all up to meet them. She believes that excellence is not optional when it comes to patient care—and she leads by example every single day. Mildred consistently ensures that every patient receives the highest quality of care, managed with attention, empathy, and clinical precision. Her bedside manner is filled with compassion; her communication with families is honest, gentle, and deeply human. Time and time again, we hear the same words from patients' families:

• “We are so thankful for Mildred.”
• “She made us feel comfortable, and she explains everything thoroughly at a level we understand .”
• “She cared for our loved one like they were her own, and it resonated with our hearts.”

The positive feedback, heartfelt thank-you cards, and endless kudos she receives from families are not just a testament to her skills—they are a reflection of her soul. Mildred treats every patient with dignity and every family with respect. She stands up for what is right, advocates fiercely for patient safety, and protects both staff and patients with courage and conviction. She is not afraid to speak up when something needs to be addressed. She is a guardian of ethics and empathy, and we are proud to follow her lead.

As a preceptor, Mildred has mentored and nurtured generations of nurses. She teaches with clarity, patience, and compassion. More importantly, she guides with heart. She encourages questions, celebrates growth, and corrects mistakes not with judgment, but with love and purpose. Her teaching style instills confidence in others and builds a solid foundation that we carry with us throughout our careers. The lessons she’s taught us—both clinical and personal—will stay with us forever.

There is something sacred about the moments we’ve spent with her. Whether in the middle of a chaotic shift or in quiet conversations after rounds, her words always find a way to stay with you. She gives the kind of advice that lives in your heart, advice you reflect on long after the moment has passed. We treasure every moment with her, every shared laugh, every knowing glance, every life lesson gently passed down. In a field that can often be emotionally overwhelming, Mildred has been a source of hope, healing, and humanity.

While we all agree that this recognition is long overdue, we also know that Mildred’s work has never gone unseen. We’ve seen her offer comfort to a grieving family. Her dedication speaks volumes, even when she says nothing. Mildred embodies extraordinary service, unwavering dedication, and boundless love.