Strength. Resilience. Compassion. These behaviors are what our team observed from our nurse, Marleen, the night her patient had a planned terminal extubation. This patient was from out of state for his employment. He had been in our hospital for weeks, and his family was only able to see him two days before he passed. This family was of a different culture (Native American).

Resilience - I was not present the night the patient came back into the ICU with internal bleeding. I heard from our team that she cared for the patient in Marleen fashion doing everything in her nursing care and power to stabilize and save his life. I have personally observed Marleen many times when her patients are critically ill. She perseveres in the patients' care even in the grimmest moments and maintains her positive energy in a way that is unique to her.

Strength - Marleen embraced this family as if they were her own. She allowed them to grieve in the way their culture handled such an event. She understood their physical needs, ensuring their bereavement cart was stocked, they had cold bottles of water, and she provided them with a meal that she purchased for them.

Compassion - Marleen incorporated the wife into the postmortem care. The wife was present for the removal of lines and tubes as she wanted to be. Marleen allowed private time for the wife to bathe her deceased spouse and give him a haircut. How special this time must have been for the wife. The patient looked most handsome when the wife completed her care.

Upon the family leaving the unit we were all able to give hugs to them. They were so appreciative of the care they received. They left a special handwritten note on the whiteboard to show their sincere gratitude. I am so grateful to have shared in these moments and to observe this very special nurse give care that was truly from the heart. Thank you, Marleen.