May 2026 Honoree
Abigail Burns 2026, DNP, APNP
Abigail is one of the most caring, compassionate, and empathetic providers who consistently goes above and beyond for her patients. My children and I see her for all of our healthcare needs, and she has made an incredible impact on our family.
When my daughter needed care for some very personal issues that were difficult to talk about, Abigail sat down with her and truly listened. As I watched their conversation, I could see how deeply Abigail cared. Her compassion helped my daughter navigate one of the toughest times in her life. As a mother, it means so much to know that if my daughter needs care, she feels comforted by seeing Abigail.
My son has always been afraid of injections, and for years Ginger was the only nurse he trusted to give him a shot. After Ginger retired, Abigail recognized his fear and personally offered to administer his injection. My son was immediately relieved because he trusted her, and she turned a frightening experience into a manageable one. Again, as a mom, I could genuinely feel the sincerity and compassion she has for my children. Because of her, talking about future injections is no longer such a difficult conversation.
I also experienced my own health concerns. For months, I had been dealing with shortness of breath during everyday activities but kept dismissing it as simply being out of shape. While hiking with my family on vacation, I became so short of breath that I thought I might pass out. I knew I needed to be evaluated when I returned home, but the demands of work and family life caused me to put it off. I was reminded how serious the problem had become when I was unable to pass my CPR compression testing because even walking across the hospital caused my oxygen levels to drop. At that point, I finally made an appointment.
From the moment I received my diagnosis, Abigail was by my side, ensuring my treatments were working and carefully monitoring my progress. She not only addressed my breathing difficulties, but also recognized that I was becoming increasingly anxious because of how poorly I felt. She took the time to assess my mental well-being, reassuring me and helping me understand what I needed to do. I never felt alone in my care.
Abigail personally performed pulmonary tests and examinations that are often completed by nursing staff, using that time to discuss my symptoms and gain a more complete understanding of my health. She carefully reviewed multiple treatment options and explained different scenarios, always placing my needs at the center of every decision. Her care is consistently thorough, compassionate, dedicated, and determined.
I have personally experienced that level of care, and I have watched her provide the very same compassionate care to my children. I truly believe Abigail deserves recognition for everything she does. My story is only one example, but as a nurse at GRHC, I regularly hear other patients share similar experiences. We are incredibly fortunate and blessed to have Abigail caring for the patients at GRHC.
When my daughter needed care for some very personal issues that were difficult to talk about, Abigail sat down with her and truly listened. As I watched their conversation, I could see how deeply Abigail cared. Her compassion helped my daughter navigate one of the toughest times in her life. As a mother, it means so much to know that if my daughter needs care, she feels comforted by seeing Abigail.
My son has always been afraid of injections, and for years Ginger was the only nurse he trusted to give him a shot. After Ginger retired, Abigail recognized his fear and personally offered to administer his injection. My son was immediately relieved because he trusted her, and she turned a frightening experience into a manageable one. Again, as a mom, I could genuinely feel the sincerity and compassion she has for my children. Because of her, talking about future injections is no longer such a difficult conversation.
I also experienced my own health concerns. For months, I had been dealing with shortness of breath during everyday activities but kept dismissing it as simply being out of shape. While hiking with my family on vacation, I became so short of breath that I thought I might pass out. I knew I needed to be evaluated when I returned home, but the demands of work and family life caused me to put it off. I was reminded how serious the problem had become when I was unable to pass my CPR compression testing because even walking across the hospital caused my oxygen levels to drop. At that point, I finally made an appointment.
From the moment I received my diagnosis, Abigail was by my side, ensuring my treatments were working and carefully monitoring my progress. She not only addressed my breathing difficulties, but also recognized that I was becoming increasingly anxious because of how poorly I felt. She took the time to assess my mental well-being, reassuring me and helping me understand what I needed to do. I never felt alone in my care.
Abigail personally performed pulmonary tests and examinations that are often completed by nursing staff, using that time to discuss my symptoms and gain a more complete understanding of my health. She carefully reviewed multiple treatment options and explained different scenarios, always placing my needs at the center of every decision. Her care is consistently thorough, compassionate, dedicated, and determined.
I have personally experienced that level of care, and I have watched her provide the very same compassionate care to my children. I truly believe Abigail deserves recognition for everything she does. My story is only one example, but as a nurse at GRHC, I regularly hear other patients share similar experiences. We are incredibly fortunate and blessed to have Abigail caring for the patients at GRHC.
Thank you, Abigail, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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