There were many excellent nurses in the Cardio ICU, but Jose Castro truly stood out. I believe it was my first night after surgery, and I experienced my very first panic attack. Jose was incredibly patient, kind, soothing, and compassionate. Words can't capture how I felt, nor can I explain how Jose's compassion was exactly what I needed to help 'talk me down from the ledge. ' He spoke with such warmth and tenderness; I felt like he was a trusted friend. It didn't seem like he was merely doing his job; it felt as though he genuinely cared about me as a person. Even after the panic attack, he continued to treat me with compassion, as if I were a friend he truly valued. I enjoyed hearing him talk about his interests - it helped me feel like a real person, not just a swollen blob lying in a hospital bed. I didn't sleep much, so I know I kept him busy, but he never showed any impatience with me. Jose's compassion set me on a healing journey that was more than just physical. Thank you, Jose! If I had the means, I would buy the new car you were planning to pick up the day after I left ICU. Jose is a wonderful person.