Connie is an amazing nurse. My family had the joy of getting to know Connie last month when my stepfather's best friend was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with cancer. It is difficult to put into words how amazing Connie is and was to my family. Our friend was a very special person and someone very dear to all of us. He had a big heart and loved people. All of his life, he surrounded himself with friends and family.

After being admitted to Powell 3, he met Connie and she changed his life, and the lives of those around him. They had an instant connection. She would come in his room and you could see by the look on his face he was so happy to see her. She made him feel comfortable and put all his worries at ease. Not only did Connie go above and beyond to make him comfortable in the hospital she extended this care beyond his hospital stay. He was discharged to hospice and Connie visited him every day. She would sit with him for hours and talk about his life and the difference he made. She would talk about his 40 years as a firefighter and remind him of all the great things he did for his community. Connie would reassure him that he had lived a good life and helped calm his anxieties about dying. She talked with him about death and assured him it was okay to go. The interactions we witnessed brought tears to our eyes and made me so proud to know that this nurse was from UnityPoint Health - Des Moines.

Connie was so important to him. When he needed acceptance and comfort the most, Connie was there for him. She is an amazing, compassionate and excellent nurse that should be recognized for the great things she has done. She truly made a difference in his final days and my family's final days with our dear friend.