Sam made an extraordinary difference in my daughter’s care during the earliest and most critical days of her stay in the Pediatric ICU. Sam cared for my daughter during many night shifts at the beginning of my daughter’s hospitalization, and our family will never forget the care and vigilance she showed.

One night in particular stands out to our family forever. During her routine neurological checks, which were being performed every one to two hours, Sam noticed that her pupils had changed significantly. Even though she was performing the same assessments that had been done many times before, Sam trusted her instincts and felt that something was not right.

She immediately acted and kept a very close watch on my daughter. Because of Sam’s careful monitoring and quick recognition of the change in my daughter’s condition, the medical team quickly took my daughter for an emergency CT scan. That scan revealed the need for an urgent craniotomy.

In a situation where minutes mattered, Sam’s attention to detail and critical thinking helped ensure my daughter received the immediate treatment she needed.

While my daughter was in surgery, Sam went above and beyond her role as a nurse. Along with another nurse who found my husband and me and brought us to the Ronald McDonald room near the unit to comfort us during one of the most terrifying moments of our lives. Even though her shift was ending, she took the time to sit with us and offer support before she went home.

Sam’s clinical expertise, vigilance, and compassion truly embody what it means to be an extraordinary nurse. Because of her dedication and attentiveness, my daughter received life-saving care at a critical moment.

Our family will always be grateful for the care she provided and the comfort she gave us when we needed it most. Sam’s vigilance that night may have saved our daughter’s life, and her compassion helped carry our family through one of the most frightening moments we have ever faced.