Gina took care of my wife, who has been diagnosed with cancer. Right after her shift started, my wife started to have shortness of breath. She acted so fast. After assessing the situation, she did her immediate interventions and called the respiratory and the doctor, who were there right away. My wife got so anxious that she started pulling IVs and monitors, saying, "I can't handle more, I'm giving up."

I was so upset. Gina calmly talked to both of us, she prayed for both of us, and told us that she understands what we are both going through. She asked me to take a breath outside, go for a stroll, and she'll stay with her. When I came back, the atmosphere had changed. My wife and I hugged each other and promised each other that we would be together in our battle, no matter what happens.

With tears in her eyes, she hugged us both. I don't know what she did or said when I left the room, but we got stronger together, all because of a compassionate nurse. The following days, she was off, but she sent us a beautiful card with encouragement and prayers, even saying that she is grateful for the opportunity that she has been a part of our care. The least I can do is encourage other nurses to be like her. We all need a skilled and caring heart like Gina.