As a bedside nurse with 17 years of experience, I hold nurses to a pretty high standard. When my father was admitted to the ICU unexpectedly, it was one of the most frightening and stressful times of our lives. My dad had never been seriously ill, so the suddenness of the situation left our family feeling overwhelmed and deeply emotional.

From the moment we met Nurse Emilee on our first day in the ICU, we knew we were in exceptional hands. Emilee embodies all the qualities of an outstanding nurse. She was kind, patient, and genuinely compassionate in her care for our dad. Despite the demanding nature of her job, Emilee never seemed rushed. She was fully present, not just for our dad but for my mom and our entire (ginormous) family. Many ICU nurses I know have a reputation for being overly aggressive and strong-headed in a structured and controlled environment. Emilee demonstrated a calm but confident demeanor, and we completely trusted her. Her calming effect and kindness greatly supported and helped our family during a difficult time. Her calm and reassuring demeanor brought us immense comfort during an incredibly difficult time. 

We were incredibly fortunate that Emilee was scheduled for five consecutive shifts. Her consistent presence and the trust we developed in her eased much of our anxiety. We knew our dad was in good hands, and that peace of mind made all the difference. 

While we had many great nurses during our stay, none stood out as much as Emilee. Her dedication and genuine care left a lasting impact on our family, and we are beyond grateful for the exceptional care she provided. 

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Emilee, for your wonderful care and conversation. There is no doubt you picked the right profession.