Kandas is the ballast that keeps our unit afloat. In an emergency, she knows what needs to be done. Not only was she there for us when we had a code, but she stopped eating lunch to run at full speed to assist. In another situation, her co-worker was unresponsive at the nurse’s station. Kandas saved her life like it was just another part of the job.

Whenever there is an issue, I feel safe that Kandas is on the floor. In my most recent encounter, she helped me get a new IV on a non-English-speaking patient. Then assisted with a blood draw in another room. Kandas had her own patients, but she made it a priority in her nursing career to be the one available to go above and beyond. Kandas is the best nurse I know, and she is crucial to this floor. Her patients and co-workers love her. If I could nominate her for the Nurse of the Year, I would.