Susan has recently been oriented to Labor and Delivery and has been an extrordinary example to others for her willingness to learn and expand her knowledge and skill in this area. So to Susan it seemed like a normal day on the Maternity Unit.

On this particular day she took over the care of a couple having their first baby. Susan came into the room to assume care shortly after the delivery. This is usually a very exciting and active time for the family. However this family was a little different. As Susan interacted with the family, she discovered the father had recently been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and was undergoing his first round of chemotherapy. As one can imagine this was a very emotional time for this family.

As dinner time rolled around, Susan wanted to get something special for him as the father's appetite had been so poor. However his appetite was not the best on this day either. It happened to be May 5 (Cinco de Mayo) and at the end of Susan's shift the father said, "chips and salsa sounds good." So the next day Susan had not forgotten this family and the statement from the father. She personally went to Chili's and bought them wonderful chips and salsa that Chili's is so famous for and took it to the family. He was so very pleased and enjoyed this treat.

Susan is an exceptional nurse in every way. This is just one example of the compassionate, loving care she provides to all of her patients. Susan was touched by this experience and instead of shying away from this first time father; it became her mission to provide him with compassionate care in this most memorable moment, "becoming a dad".