"My experiences as a nurse have taught me that empathy is the most valuable quality for any healthcare provider to possess. At every opportunity, I attempt to understand the situation from the view of the patient. This practice helps me understand how to care for my patient more effectively. By learning about my patients' frustrations and fears, I can calm them and support them the way they need most. Empathy is an essential component of how I care for my patients as a nurse now and in the future, as a Physician Assistant."