I work in the NICU with Tarah at Essentia in Fargo. Tarah is a very caring nurse that goes above and beyond for the tiniest patients and their families. We recently had an infant pass in the NICU which was extremely hard on all of us. I was training with Tarah that night and the amount of knowledge I gained from the experience whether Tarah knows it or not has become invaluable to me. Tarah was chosen to be that baby's nurse that night because she is extremely gentle, caring, and as the doctor stated, "she was the best one to handle the situation, God placed her there." After all the exhaustion and loss Tarah did not give up. She made the infant presentable, cried with the mother, and took hand prints for the mother and father to take home. Tarah took upon herself to send purple flowers, representing preemie month, to the funeral home from all of the NICU staff. Tarah is focused at work taking the time to note even the smallest details which prove crucial with these patients. This does not stop Tarah from having fun with the babies as well. Last week Tarah made one of the infants a miniature Chicago Bulls jersey and a miniature basketball knowing that the infant was named after a Chicago Bulls player. She then spent the time to take pictures of the infant with his adorable outfit and made a collage for the parents. Her enthusiasm about getting the most adorable photos was contagious getting the entire unit in a positive and happy mood. Working the night shift it is unlikely she will get to see the parents' reactions to their infant's photos but she does not do this for her own satisfaction, she does this for the families. The family now has something to take home with them when they can't take their infant home. Plus what family member doesn't want their infant to get the honor of being MVP, most valuable preemie? Tarah is also a team player. She has spent hours teaching me everything from how to rewarm an infant to caring for an infant on a ventilator. Tarah is a great teacher giving you space to work but also making sure all your questions are answered. She teaches coworkers, nursing students, and new employees. She has come in on her days off to transport a critically ill infant to our facility. She is always willing to learn, does not compain or gossip, and most importantly laughs at all my stupid jokes. These last few months in the NICU have been emotionally draining but it has been made easier having a coworker like Tarah. We can cry, and laugh together. We can be totally silent after a difficult or scary situation and understand how one another is feeling. I am grateful to work with such an amazing coworker.