I feel so grateful to work with this nurse, who truly exemplifies the highest standard of oncology nursing and patient-centered care. Back in 2019, we met a young sarcoma patient who was admitted every three weeks on 4SW, receiving chemotherapy for over a year. This nurse became close to the patient, his family, and his girlfriend throughout his treatment. Together, they celebrated birthdays, holidays, and the completion of a rigorous chemotherapy journey.

Sadly, four years later, we got to see our beloved patient back on 4SW, with extensive metastatic disease and multiple organ failure. His girlfriend, now wife, remained at the patient's bedside night and day and leaned on this particular nurse for emotional support as her husband was becoming less responsive and ultimately in the process of dying. This nurse not only beautifully and compassionately took care of the patient but also shared tears and hugs with the wife, bought her lunch, and continually asked, "But how are you doing?" These gestures created a bond that I know both the nurse and the patient's family will hold close to their hearts forever. After the patient was discharged home on hospice, the wife sent a message to Rayna stating, "I want to let you know that (patient's name) went to heaven to be my guardian angel last Friday. Thank you for taking care of my sweet baby and making his hospital stays throughout his diagnosis feel as normal as possible as his nurses and friends. You champion our love and will continue to, and that means so much to me".

I hope that Rayna can be recognized for her empathy, kindness, and the incredible relationships she has created in her nursing career.