December 2025
Donna
Lawrence
,
RN
IP Substance Use & Recovery
Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center
Redlands
,
CA
United States
Healing began to take root in places no medication could reach.
I have had the privilege of working alongside Donna for the past three years, both in the Adult Psych Unit and more frequently in the Substance Abuse Unit. In that time, I have witnessed countless moments that revealed the heart of who Donna truly is: a compassionate, Christ-centered nurse who lives out her faith boldly and lovingly, especially in a Christian hospital like Loma Linda.
One particular story stands out among many. We had a patient in the Substance Abuse Unit admitted for long-term care, a full 28 days. As many in this unit often are, he came in guarded, angry, irritable, and emotionally worn down by a life of pain, trauma, broken relationships, and a deeply conflicted relationship with God. From the start, he was a challenge. But Donna didn’t shy away. Instead, she walked toward him with gentleness and faith.
One day, she sat with him and asked a simple but powerful question: “Can I pray for you?” To our surprise, he said yes. And that moment was the beginning of a remarkable transformation. Over the course of his stay, Donna continued to build a relationship with him not just as his nurse, but as someone who truly cared for his soul. She eventually gave him a Bible, and soon after, he began reading and sharing verses with her. Their conversations grew into deep reflections about life and the Lord. You could visibly see peace begin to replace hostility. His countenance changed. Healing began to take root in places no medication could reach.
Donna is the very embodiment of what nursing should be. She is the epitome of whole-person care, not only tending to physical and emotional needs but boldly ministering to the spiritual wounds that often go untouched. In every action, she lives out the motto of Loma Linda: “To make man whole.”
Donna has the courage to share the gospel where many hesitate, and she does so with compassion, wisdom, and grace. Her work ethic is unmatched, her love for others is genuine, and her impact is eternal.
I truly believe that Donna is more than deserving of the DAISY Award. She doesn't just provide care, she brings healing, hope, and the light of Christ to every patient she serves. I am blessed to have a co-worker and a friend like her. Donna is a true vessel of healing and hope.
One particular story stands out among many. We had a patient in the Substance Abuse Unit admitted for long-term care, a full 28 days. As many in this unit often are, he came in guarded, angry, irritable, and emotionally worn down by a life of pain, trauma, broken relationships, and a deeply conflicted relationship with God. From the start, he was a challenge. But Donna didn’t shy away. Instead, she walked toward him with gentleness and faith.
One day, she sat with him and asked a simple but powerful question: “Can I pray for you?” To our surprise, he said yes. And that moment was the beginning of a remarkable transformation. Over the course of his stay, Donna continued to build a relationship with him not just as his nurse, but as someone who truly cared for his soul. She eventually gave him a Bible, and soon after, he began reading and sharing verses with her. Their conversations grew into deep reflections about life and the Lord. You could visibly see peace begin to replace hostility. His countenance changed. Healing began to take root in places no medication could reach.
Donna is the very embodiment of what nursing should be. She is the epitome of whole-person care, not only tending to physical and emotional needs but boldly ministering to the spiritual wounds that often go untouched. In every action, she lives out the motto of Loma Linda: “To make man whole.”
Donna has the courage to share the gospel where many hesitate, and she does so with compassion, wisdom, and grace. Her work ethic is unmatched, her love for others is genuine, and her impact is eternal.
I truly believe that Donna is more than deserving of the DAISY Award. She doesn't just provide care, she brings healing, hope, and the light of Christ to every patient she serves. I am blessed to have a co-worker and a friend like her. Donna is a true vessel of healing and hope.