Lisa's compassionate attention was evident every time she entered my room, but a specific memory of her care is easy to recall. I was feeling overwhelmed by the progression of my metastatic cancer, which recently spread to my spine and has resulted in a spinal cord injury, resulting in lower extremity paralysis. The nature of my disease progression and the injury it has caused has remarkably changed the nature of my quality of life.

Lisa, without any misunderstanding or confusion, took my hand and gave me the emotional space to express my uncertainty and insecurity. She listened to me express my concerns and validated my response. And then she delicately offered, or reminded me, of other aspects of life - such as family and faith and hope - that helped balance the despair of such difficult situations. Her personal care, her patience, her presence, these are the qualities that exemplified for me the care that great nurses bring to supplement their medical expertise.

Additionally, Lisa's patient attention was instrumental in identifying an appropriate pain medication, which I was not previously taking. By listening to me describe the quality or type of pain, she was able to suggest that we try a new pain medication (gabapentin), which quickly allowed me to regain control of my pain management. And without that improvement, I would not have been able to transfer to the Rehab Unit and begin to learn the skills needed to live my remaining time without the use of my legs. Lisa is one of the most exceptional nurses I have ever met.