September 2025 Honoree
Jahaira Padilla, RN (RM)
Jahaira exemplifies the kind of nurse one reads about in textbooks at the beginning of nursing school—she is truly person-centered and patient-focused.
As a nurse myself, I have often heard the phrase, “I went into nursing because I like helping people,” which can sometimes feel like a cliché. However, Jahaira brings this sentiment to life in a way that is awe-inspiring. Watching her care for patients and their families is like witnessing a classical pianist performing—a seamless blend of skill, compassion, and grace. Whether she is changing IV lines, turning a patient, or teaching families about medications, she does so with gentleness, approachability, and empathy.
My family first met Jahaira during my mother-in-law’s hospitalization at Northwell Health. She introduced herself warmly, immediately putting us at ease with her years of experience and reassuring presence. One night, after an emergency surgery when my mother-in-law was intubated and unable to speak, Jahaira tenderly caressed her head and gave her a reassuring thumbs-up, silently communicating, “Everything is going to be okay.” My mother-in-law’s nod and blinking response deeply moved our family and brought tears to our eyes. Even though my mother-in-law does not speak English, she responded to Jahaira’s compassion with nods, blinks, and gentle hand squeezes—proof that empathy transcends language.
Throughout the hospital stay, Jahaira was tireless in responding to alarms from IV pumps, ventilators, and monitors. We often wondered if she ever took a break. On multiple occasions, she kindly offered us a recliner, pillow, blanket, water, and coffee to ensure our comfort during long nights at the hospital.
In another instance, Jahaira carefully debated the need to insert a urinary catheter due to low urine output several days before surgery, thoughtfully weighing the risks of infection. When my mother-in-law was later able to urinate on her own, Jahaira’s joy was palpable—she clapped her hands in celebration, which brought a smile to my mother-in-law’s face.
Jahaira’s compassion, expertise, and dedication not only made a difference in my mother-in-law’s care but also profoundly impacted our entire family. She embodies the very essence of nursing,
As a nurse myself, I have often heard the phrase, “I went into nursing because I like helping people,” which can sometimes feel like a cliché. However, Jahaira brings this sentiment to life in a way that is awe-inspiring. Watching her care for patients and their families is like witnessing a classical pianist performing—a seamless blend of skill, compassion, and grace. Whether she is changing IV lines, turning a patient, or teaching families about medications, she does so with gentleness, approachability, and empathy.
My family first met Jahaira during my mother-in-law’s hospitalization at Northwell Health. She introduced herself warmly, immediately putting us at ease with her years of experience and reassuring presence. One night, after an emergency surgery when my mother-in-law was intubated and unable to speak, Jahaira tenderly caressed her head and gave her a reassuring thumbs-up, silently communicating, “Everything is going to be okay.” My mother-in-law’s nod and blinking response deeply moved our family and brought tears to our eyes. Even though my mother-in-law does not speak English, she responded to Jahaira’s compassion with nods, blinks, and gentle hand squeezes—proof that empathy transcends language.
Throughout the hospital stay, Jahaira was tireless in responding to alarms from IV pumps, ventilators, and monitors. We often wondered if she ever took a break. On multiple occasions, she kindly offered us a recliner, pillow, blanket, water, and coffee to ensure our comfort during long nights at the hospital.
In another instance, Jahaira carefully debated the need to insert a urinary catheter due to low urine output several days before surgery, thoughtfully weighing the risks of infection. When my mother-in-law was later able to urinate on her own, Jahaira’s joy was palpable—she clapped her hands in celebration, which brought a smile to my mother-in-law’s face.
Jahaira’s compassion, expertise, and dedication not only made a difference in my mother-in-law’s care but also profoundly impacted our entire family. She embodies the very essence of nursing,
Thank you, Jahaira, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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