Donna is an extraordinarily compassionate nurse. Every word she uses, every day, with every patient contact is calm, empathetic, caring, and genuine. I find myself listening to her conversations with patients and learning how to be a better listener and communicator.

As an example, there was an elderly patient who lived alone and was discharged home after Covid. The patient called the office with a complaint of shortness of breath. The patient had a home pulse oximeter but did not know which number was the heart rate and which was the pulse. Donna pulled up a search for the brand of pulse ox, and then explained to the patient how to read the device and what the numbers meant. This is one example of a small effort that amounts to a meaningful outreach.

It is not one instance occasionally, it is several, all day, every day. Donna never complains or gets frustrated. She is always eager to help any coworker with any ask. Whenever there is a need for a volunteer, she will jump up with bright optimism for the opportunity to "learn something new." We are all better nurses, doctors, patients, and caregivers for being exposed to her positivity and genuine "patients first" approach.