Carmela Carrillo, BSN, RN

Carmela has always gone above and beyond for her patients. Her compassion and dedication to our mental health children is extraordinary. She was once a nurse for a patient who had just been admitted to the unit for the first time. The patient, along with their family, appeared tearful regarding hospitalization. I observed Carmela walk the family and patient into our unit with Kleenex and snacks in hand. She spent her time answering questions, concerns, and validating their needs. Carmela provided the utmost culturally competent and trauma-informed care. She went above and beyond to advocate the patient's religious requests and accommodations. As her charge nurse that day, I observed the gratitude and appreciation the family expressed to Carmela. The patient and their family were smiling and laughing towards the end of the admission process. Carmela is a prime example of what a defender of childhood looks like here at CHOC.