Perhaps the best surgical nurse I ever had the pleasure of working with is a diminutive Filipino named Lucito Ayon, RN, CNOR. "Chito," as he is fondly called by the staff, separates himself from others by his passion and commitment to excellence. Sometimes the passion, in retrospect, has given me some very happy memories. Such as:

• When Chito wouldn't let the female patient proceed with surgery until her hCG levels were checked. Only when we all reminded Chito that the patient was 70 years old and a pregnancy would indeed be another miracle did he let us proceed.
• When Chito subtly urged me to obtain a fresh ACL allograft because the graft I was preparing had more hair on it than Robert DeNiro's back. This would incur more expense to the hospital, but patient well-being always comes first with Chito.
• When Chito really got into it with an attendant from central supply. A patient was asleep on the OR table when a necessary piece of arthroscopy equipment was found to be mysteriously missing from the tray. I heard Chito utter expletives to the attendant that would make a drill sergeant proud. For a moment, I thought I was going to have to step in. Nonetheless, we got our equipment, but Chito was written up. For Chito, the written reprimand wasn't nearly as important as ensuring the proper equipment was present.
• The innumerable occasions when, in the course of a struggle, Chito will politely suggest: "Dr. Kelly, do you think you should consider another instrument such as instrument X or Y?" Invariably, Chito is correct and the alternative instrument enables the surgery to proceed smoothly.
• When Chito was steadfastly preparing for the next case and anesthesia abruptly and prematurely wheeled the patient into the OR. Obviously unprepared for this intrusion, Chito shouted, "I told you I needed 5 more minutes!" This was immediately followed by a string of Filipino expletives. (I am sure Chito went to confession that Saturday since he is a man of faith.)
• The many occasions when Chito inquires not only about the subsequent cases for the day but for the next day as well. Granted, I am a poster child for ADD (attention deficit disorder). In fact, I haven't even got to last month's rent. I cannot begin to express how helpful it is to have an organizational presence at work! I am tempted to ask Chito to help me with my taxes.
• The comprehensive time out before surgery. Chito's time out is indeed thorough. Not only does he delineate fire risk and correct procedure, but he also runs down the patient's birthstone, favorite foods and hobbies. Needless to say, there is no stone unturned and that is why Chito always does well when the Joint Commission inspectors arrive.

I thank God for Chito regularly. His passion and commitment to absolutely what is best for the patient is indeed inspiring. He represents all that I revere and respect about the nursing profession. He truly makes my job (and life) sooooooo much easier. Now if you will excuse me I need to call Chito immediately: I can't seem to find my car keys.