I have been a difficult patient at times. I've been in pain, I've had a tough time, and the shining light named Shanell is a nurse among nurses and a true credit to her profession. She is nothing short of the gold standard. When you say the words "professional nurse," it can get no better than Shanell.

She has advocated for me for pain control with doctors at times when I really couldn't see a way forward. She would pick me up with words, with kindness, and with her skills as a nurse, helping me stay focused and pointed toward my recovery.

Her skills at managing all of her patients, managing when pain medication is due, and being on time to the minute were nothing short of extraordinary and made the difference between me being in pain and not.

She managed my difficult personality at times when I was in pain with compassion, skill, and attentiveness that I have never witnessed before and will be darn lucky to ever witness again in my life.

Shanell put me in touch with all the resources at her disposal, from the chaplain to her charge nurse, to just listening to me when I needed someone to listen. She did so with compassion and a beautiful soul, truly rare and seldom seen.

From her skills with an IV needle, to computer documentation, pain management, managing several patients, working with coworkers, and dealing with someone as difficult as me—especially when I was not at my best, in pain, and could not see a way forward or around it—she provided a light, a path made of compassion, wisdom, and knowledge, and I am forever grateful.

Someone who has this much care for their job, for their patients, and for their coworkers cannot be overstated. She is truly an example of what a nurse should be, and she is a nurse among nurses anywhere.

I thank her for her care, her integrity, kindness, skills, wisdom, and compassion.

You have left a mark upon me, my soul, and my life, and I thank you for that from the bottom of my heart and soul.