Deja
Jones
May 2026
Deja
Jones
Wellstar Douglas Medical Center
Douglasville
,
GA
United States
She volunteers, she participates, and she shows up — fully and willingly — even in the most challenging situations.
Deja is an exceptional student nurse who embodies everything we hope to see in a future healthcare professional. Her eagerness to learn is evident every single day, but what truly sets her apart is her unwavering warmth and resilience.
Deja doesn't wait to be asked. She volunteers, she participates, and she shows up — fully and willingly — even in the most challenging situations. When invited to a mock code, she didn't hesitate or complain. She stepped in, joined the team, and engaged with a complex, high-stakes patient scenario with the kind of focus and commitment that many seasoned nurses would be proud of. And she did it all with a smile.
But here is what makes Deja truly remarkable: she is not fearless. She has shared her fears and anxieties openly and honestly. What she demonstrates — and what cannot be taught — is the courage to act despite those fears. She shows up anyway. She participates anyway. And when she is unsure, she does exactly what a great nurse should do — she asks questions, seeks guidance, and never lets pride get in the way of her patients' safety.
She also carries a genuine concern for the people in her care. It shows in the way she engages, the way she listens, and the way she never stops smiling — even on the hard days.
One moment stands out in particular. A patient was in significant pain and, understandably, lashed out when Deja entered his room with her characteristic smile — asking her to leave. Rather than taking it personally or letting it shake her spirit, Deja handled the situation with remarkable grace and professionalism. What was truly extraordinary was that she walked out of that room and kept her smile for the rest of the day — continuing to show up fully for every other patient who needed her.
That moment revealed something else that cannot be taught: the ability to absorb a patient's pain and frustration without losing your compassion or your sense of purpose. Deja understood, even as a student, that a patient's anger in those moments is never really about the nurse — it's about suffering. And she responded to that suffering with exactly the kind of quiet, steady kindness that makes great nurses great.
That is who Deja is—compassionate, courageous, curious, and kind. It is an honor to nominate her for this recognition— she has already earned it.
Deja doesn't wait to be asked. She volunteers, she participates, and she shows up — fully and willingly — even in the most challenging situations. When invited to a mock code, she didn't hesitate or complain. She stepped in, joined the team, and engaged with a complex, high-stakes patient scenario with the kind of focus and commitment that many seasoned nurses would be proud of. And she did it all with a smile.
But here is what makes Deja truly remarkable: she is not fearless. She has shared her fears and anxieties openly and honestly. What she demonstrates — and what cannot be taught — is the courage to act despite those fears. She shows up anyway. She participates anyway. And when she is unsure, she does exactly what a great nurse should do — she asks questions, seeks guidance, and never lets pride get in the way of her patients' safety.
She also carries a genuine concern for the people in her care. It shows in the way she engages, the way she listens, and the way she never stops smiling — even on the hard days.
One moment stands out in particular. A patient was in significant pain and, understandably, lashed out when Deja entered his room with her characteristic smile — asking her to leave. Rather than taking it personally or letting it shake her spirit, Deja handled the situation with remarkable grace and professionalism. What was truly extraordinary was that she walked out of that room and kept her smile for the rest of the day — continuing to show up fully for every other patient who needed her.
That moment revealed something else that cannot be taught: the ability to absorb a patient's pain and frustration without losing your compassion or your sense of purpose. Deja understood, even as a student, that a patient's anger in those moments is never really about the nurse — it's about suffering. And she responded to that suffering with exactly the kind of quiet, steady kindness that makes great nurses great.
That is who Deja is—compassionate, courageous, curious, and kind. It is an honor to nominate her for this recognition— she has already earned it.