Emily Pukenas, BSN, RN

I was diagnosed with cancer in January 2025. I’ve been in and out of the hospital a total of 5 times this year, thus far, due to complications and/or severe back pain due to the bone cancer. I met Emily during my first stay in the hospital. From the moment we met, she has been nothing but loving and caring in a way that I wish every nurse would be. She went above and beyond to ensure I was as comfortable as humanly possible and to make me feel heard. She understood the pain I was experiencing and wanted to help alleviate that pain by advocating for me when I did not have the energy or capacity to do so. I started chemo during my second stay in the hospital, and she would constantly check on me to make sure I was not having any severe side effects and also to make sure my anxiety was controlled. Emily took the time to get to know me and took a holistic, professional approach to my care. Emily made me feel cared, loved and comfortable and exemplified what a nurse should be. I appreciate her.