Martha is an exceptional nurse and wonderful person. In the past two years I have spent working with her she has consistently exhibited extraordinary care through her laser like focus on patients' needs, her mentoring of younger nurses, and her warm smile.

Each day Martha rounds with us and ensures that our patients are doing well. She ensures that they receive appropriate care after joint replacement surgery including pain control and mobilization. She helps other nurses carry out the plan of care throughout the day and updates us on each patient's progress helping us correct the course as needed.

Martha has met most of the patients at her "Joint Classes" and seeing her familiar smile immediately puts the patient and family at ease. This helps her teach patients what they need to do to recover after surgery. Martha also teaches the nurses around her about orthopedics and the unique needs of these patients. In addition, she has developed weekly educational meetings to bring together nurses therapists and providers to learn about pertinent topics in joint replacement.

Several months ago a patient of mine was supposed to go to a rehab facility, but her insurance declined the admission. She had to go home on a weekend by herself. Martha drove to her house to help her set up the equipment and make sure she was safe. Martha never said anything about this to me, but when I saw the patient back in follow-up she was amazed that someone would do this for her.

It is an honor to work with Martha I think that she would be an ideal recipient of the award.