Pediatric codes are one of the hardest things we have to deal with. Erika is a beacon of light in such horrific cases. Recently, we had a sibling of a pediatric code come in with a family situation that would break people's hearts. Erika learned that it was this child's birthday the day after losing his sibling. Erika, without being asked, took her own lunch break and her own money, went to Target, and bought this baby a birthday present so he could have at least one present on his birthday and experience the love and kindness of a nurse.

She gathered other nurses to sing him Happy Birthday. Erika was the primary nurse for the child that was lost the night before, and it took a very heavy toll on her. That child may never even remember the kind gesture she did for them that day, but I would like everyone to know what she did for them because we do not forget.

This is just one example of Erika's kindness and compassion. Erika goes above and beyond for all of her coworkers and spends her own money to make people feel special. ER nurses' love language is food, and she shows up with food on a regular basis for us. She brings us all together.