My coworker, Heather, cared for a veteran on our unit who struggled with an addiction to alcohol and was admitted for alcohol withdrawal and suicidal ideation. While this type of admission is commonplace for our unit, the care I witnessed Heather provide was anything but ordinary. Some nurses are scared to ask hard questions and to provide therapeutic intervention because it might turn uncomfortable, but Heather jumped right in. Every night she was assigned to care for this patient, they would take a walk and discuss his struggles, coping mechanisms, and potential supports, and Heather would provide encouragement. From my observation, the exchange between the two was so genuine and really seemed to help the patient navigate a difficult but life-changing hospital stay.

Heather is an exemplar in nursing, addressing patients' emotional, social, and spiritual needs to the same extent as their physical needs. The patient was discharged to attend an intensive rehabilitation program and expressed gratitude for the care that Heather provided, stating that she was one of the reasons he made it through the admission and followed through with his intent to attend rehab and remain sober. Heather has shown me the value of getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. Heather's care for this patient and the example she sets for her coworkers should be recognized.