I wanted to recognize ICU nurse Lauren who took care of my brother, P, who was in ICU. I believe she was his night shift nurse. I came to Emory University Hospital every day, sometimes twice a day, to spend time with my brother, who had a stroke. I was fortunate to meet many of his nurses and was pleased with his care overall. However, LAUREN set a new standard for care. First of all, she was very warm and caring to both P and the family that was there with him. She immediately made it clear she was available for whatever was needed.

The first night I met Lauren, my brother had several situations where he needed her help. EVERY TIME she came in the room, she responded quickly. She was completely tuned in to what he needed and helped him in an encouraging and respectful way. At one point, we may have called her into the room 3 times in about a 30-minute period. She had a positive attitude each time. When P was uncomfortable from some wires, she made several attempts to adjust the wires, but it didn't help. She never showed frustration or impatience, but rather persistence in finding a way to give him relief. She finally figured out the way the wires were attached was causing the problem and she fixed it.

Lauren has an exceptional way of caring for people. She is the type of nurse who should be instructing other nurses on how to give compassionate and respectful care to patients. I left that evening so very grateful that she was P's nurse. It felt like he was in the hands of a family member. I live with my elderly parents to assist with their care and have had exposure to many hospital/caregiver situations. I can speak from my experience that Lauren is a rare find. Hold on to her. You have a gem.