Ivo began traveling with me with just over a year of experience in Oncology in the fall of 2023. Ivo's vibrant personality and passion for nursing were evident from our first conversation, and he was determined to start traveling as soon as possible. We ended up placing him at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA.

Ivo came from Cuba to begin his nursing just a few years ago, and officially became a US citizen right at the beginning of his assignment so the fall was full of changes for Ivo! Ivo has really blossomed at Baystate on his night Oncology unit, and is known to sit with and comfort those in pain regularly.

Recently, Ivo shared the story of a terminal patient he cared for during her final moments: "A very nice old lady died holding my hand Saturday night, it was one of those moments when you are confronted with your calling, this is why I chose this career. To help people all the way to the end. It was moving for me, too. The other nurses in the unit took care of my people and helped me so I could focus on this. It was a rough night, but I didn't feel bad or overwhelmed. She was a very nice lady, I had admitted her in the unit the night before, her daughter was very nice too." This is not the first time Ivo has shared a similar story with me. Losing someone to cancer is hard, and for many, it is very uncomfortable to see your loved one in their final moments. Ivo isn't afraid to be with those during their final moments so they don't end their lives alone.