As long as I have worked here there has been one nurse that has always stood out to me as an extraordinary nurse, Josh Espinoza. I have witnessed his selfless and caring nature with patients and fellow employees. I work in registration and I notice him being mindful of making my job easier as he does his job duties. I have witnessed the way he talks to patients with compassion and empathy.
One night I was working at the front desk by myself when a woman came in saying her cousin was in the car having an anxiety attack because her husband had just suddenly passed away. The woman was very concerned for her cousin, but she refused to leave the car and get treatment. Josh went out and sat in the car and talked to the distraught woman for nearly 30 minutes, calming her down. I just remember thinking to myself, "That is the epitome of not only a great nurse but an outstanding person."
I also was working Thanksgiving 2 years ago when a patient came in with her young son. Josh had discovered they did not have their Thanksgiving dinner and took it upon himself to gather meals given to employees to generously give to the woman so her family could have a Thanksgiving meal. Just witnessing that kindness fills you with a warmth and desire to do something just as selfless. From what I have witnessed and experienced working with him, I could not think of anyone more deserving of this award.