After serving 21 years in the U.S. Army, Peter Roth wanted a new career. He retired from the Army as a first sergeant and became a paramedic.

"I decided I wanted to go to nursing school after that," said Roth, who is working on a master's degree in nursing. "I worked for two years as a flight nurse doing medical transport in Texas, and it was just a natural progression."

LEITA COWART/Special (ENLARGE)

RELATED LINKS: • Complete list of Nursing Excellence Awards nominees • Celebrating Nurses

Roth, 48, works in the emergency department at Grady Memorial Hospital, where many staff members and physicians have come to respect his experience, demeanor and approach to his work.

"In a job where staff is vomited on, spit at, bitten, cursed at and bled on, Peter remains calm and professional," said Dr. Leigh Miles, who nominated Roth for the award. "He has been my go-to nurse when I need something for a patient, even if the patient is not in his assigned area."

Miles praised Roth's ability to keep poised in a hectic atmosphere. She also praised the way he cares for all patients and their families.

"He treats all patients — no matter how malodorous, belligerent or rude — with respect and compassion," Miles said. "He is the most dependable nurse I've ever worked alongside, and he works hard for his patients to make them comfortable, treat their pain and calm their fears."

Working in the emergency department is often a fast-paced job, but Roth enjoys the action. When Roth was in the Army, he worked in military intelligence and special operations, serving tours of duty in Grenada, Panama and Operation Desert Storm. He's also a former Green Beret.

"I'm just doing my job, and I look forward to the new challenges of every day," he said. "Being in the military made me a better person, but this is my calling. I only wish I'd become a nurse a long time ago."