I would like to nominate Judith, RN from 3PCU, for the extraordinary care she provided to my father during his hospitalization. My father was critically ill with severe COPD, necrotizing pneumonia, a CO2 level of 140, and a white count of 32. We were told he likely wouldn't survive the night. We honored his wishes and made him a full no-code, preparing to spend whatever time we had left with him. He was transferred to 3PCU, where he received care from several wonderful nurses, but Judith truly stood out.

Our first encounter with her was when my father arrived in his room, non-responsive. Judith was assigned to the other patient in the room, next to the window. She passed by us several times to care for that patient, yet never once expressed concern or frustration as 7-8 of us crowded around my father, praying and believing we were losing him---even though I'm certain we were in her way. When I asked if we were causing any inconvenience, she graciously replied, "No, you are fine." Her grace and professionalism in that moment were deeply appreciated. Judith ended up caring for my father multiple times throughout his stay- thankfully. She is the epitome of a patient advocate. My father was on BiPAP and unable to eat, leading to an NG tube placement, which, when he was responsive, he was trying to refuse. We ended up placing it because he had been there about 4 days and had not yet eaten. Because he was so frustrated about this tube and just wanted to eat a meal, a swallow study was ordered. We were told by his assigned provider that if he passed, the tube could come out. He did pass the study, though he pocketed some fluid at the base of his throat, yet the provider refused to remove the tube. My father was adamant he didn't want it. He was so upset and angry, which really did not help his mental health.

At this point, because he was awake, alert, oriented, and of sound mind, he had the right to make his own medical decisions, yet the provider would not honor them. This is when Judith jumped in to support him and me. She made multiple attempts to contact the provider and advocated fiercely for my father. As a nurse with 32.5 years of experience, 16 of those in leadership, I've seen the full spectrum of nursing care. Judith is truly the best of the best. She listened, supported, and stood by us during an incredibly difficult time. I can't recall every detail, but I do remember the moment when I received a message from Judith saying, "Guess who got a lunch tray today." After nearly losing him, using his phone to take a picture of him, per his request, seeing him sitting up with a tray and a smile was indescribable. I wanted to hug her, but because she was caring for him, I was actually able to go to work that day.

Judith is knowledgeable, kind, approachable, and compassionate. More than anything, she lives the nursing code of ethics-autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, fidelity, and respect-every single day. She played a vital role in my father's recovery. He's now been home for months and is doing better than he has in years. I truly believe Judith had a major part in that outcome. Thank you, Judith, for being exactly what you were meant to be-a nurse. And an extraordinary one at that.