Ivet Lara is a nurse on 8 North who has proven herself time and time again to be beyond extraordinary. 

From the first day my husband was admitted, having been transferred from ICU, she greeted both my husband and me, introduced herself, recognized his fears and when he needed to be toileted, provided him with the dignity he needed as a human being who was once independent and now dependent. While it is true all nurses are trained, Ivet was exemplary in her approach. 

My husband remained on 8N for several weeks, during which time he became critically ill, required a code to be called. Ivet, knowing my schedule of arriving daily at 11:30 contacted me as it was very close to that time. She prepared me for what had happened, and she met me upon arrival to guide me to the ICU, remained with me to provide support and visited us during her break and after hours. She also checked in with me during the day to see how my husband was and if I needed anything. 

When my husband was able to return to 8N from the ICU in a weakened condition, Yvet was always hands-on, gentle, kind, encouraging, and understanding of his limitations and frustrations. She possesses a unique quality that makes everyone feel special, both patients and families included. One morning during rounds at 7am Ivet came into my husband's room to greet him. She noted that he did not seem himself, spent time talking to him, and immediately contacted the doctor, who ordered a CT scan. My husband was bleeding internally and required immediate intervention. 

There is no doubt that Ivet's quick thinking, ability to assess a situation, clinical skills, and expertise saved my husband's life.
There is no doubt that if not for Ivet's clinical expertise and skills, my husband would not be alive today.

Ivet has consistently gone above and beyond the scope of what her job is. She embodies not only the highest qualities of a nurse but that of a wonderful human being. She is a tribute to her profession and a gift to the patients and their families.