Melanie Guerrero's clinical manager said "Erika Winn is an exemplary nurse who goes above and beyond for her patients and co-workers. She has an uncanny ability to ease a parent's worry. She is very thorough in educating parents and keeping them aware of any updates or changes in their child's care. Erika resolves and clarifies nursing issues for the staff such as best practices for administering formula drip feedings. The Breast Milk Policy is now in the process of the being revised and updated due to her efforts."

Erika is a member of the Clinical Practice Council, Central Venous Catheter (CVC) Committee; Policy and Procedure Committee; and Work Area Leadership Team (WALT). She spearheaded changes to the Transport Policy after an intense literature review, recommendations from RN clinical experts and the legal team. Erika is also one of the creators of the new discharge form, which is in progress of becoming a house-wide initiative.

It is clear that Erika goes the extra mile to facilitate a parent's hospital stay. Her nomination, written by several of her nurse peers, stated "she takes ambulatory patients for walks in the unit. Most recently, she was reading a book to a 7-year-old that has been hospitalized for more than two months. The patient was not assigned to Erika, yet she made time for the patient." Small acts such as this make a world of a difference to patients.

"Although she is quiet and determined, the wheels are always turning for Erika, whether it be for patients, families, staff or clinical operations," said Kay Gilmore, RN, PCS operations manager. "She is a great employee. As a manager, I am honored."

"I want to celebrate Erika, and also the teamwork and the extraordinary work of nurses," said Mary Dee Hacker, MBA, NEA-BC, FAAN, chief nursing officer at Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

"I am so honored. Being a nurse is what I love to do. I also have my team to thank," Erika said.