I have been a nurse for many years, and occasionally, I come across someone that defines the true meaning of being a nurse. Grace is definitely that nurse. She embodies the "5 C's of caring." She shows genuine compassion for the most difficult of patients. She is confident in her skills but isn't afraid of saying she needs help. She is so committed to helping her patients understand their problems and how they will work together to achieve those outcomes. Grace does more than communicate; she listens and talks to her patients so they are calm and comfortable.

In the last year, I have worked here. Grace has never failed to ask if she can help with anything. When she is finished passing medications, she always asks the other nurses if she can help. She jumps at every bed alarm so all patients are safe. Most importantly, she is unapologetically happy. Her attitude is fantastic because she was born to be a nurse. I hope she stays a bedside nurse for many years because we need future generations of nurses to understand that even thought this is a tough career, there is no more rewarding job.

To Grace: I mean every word of this. Please have the courage to stay yourself, to stay happy, and to show the rest of the world what a nurse should be. I will travel to other locations to work until I retire, and I promise you that I will always have a kind word to say about St Luke's because of you. I hope all of your career keeps you this happy. With all my respect.