Motivated, dedicated, enthusiastic, caring, compassionate and energetic are among the many characteristics Johnny displays every day on our floor. He welcomes the most challenging assignments as opportunities to learn and grow as a professional nurse. He has flourished here with unimaginable ease, never skipping a step. Johnny always thinks about his fellow nurse and is always willing to help. He will ask senior staff if they have particular interventions such as IV push chemotherapy to administer and volunteer to do it so as to strengthen nursing skills and experiences. He advocates for and creates great relationships with patients and colleagues.

One colleague reports an instance when she was very busy with a patient and asked Johnny to check on her other patients. Not only did he check on the other patients but he completed their nursing care. In remarking on this nurse’s compassion, another colleague reports that she remembers Johnny taking time during an emergency situation to hold the patient’s hand and to soothe her. From the very beginning Johnny has reached out to me for more education on hematology and oncology. Based in part on his input I created a hematology educational program for new and experienced staff. He attended this program and asked for copies of the slides so he could further his knowledge of hematology. He frequently asked for reading materials pertinent to our patient population that he could read at home. Johnny wanted to learn more not only for self knowledge but so that he could better educate patients about their disease and treatment.

One new nurse had this to say about Johnny: “I met Johnny during the beginning of my orientation and instantly knew I wanted to exude the same type of dedication and compassion…I was entering the locker room after a long day and bumped into him. Johnny took the time to ask me how I was feeling about the new job, or if I had any concerns, or any great stories to tell. He not only provided words of encouragement, but also reminded me that my competency level will improve every day. He always arrives on the unit early in full uniform, proud to be an RN. He is seen by colleagues as an enthusiastic, energetic team player.

Johnny's background as an avid outdoors person has been put to good use in working with physical therapy and the medical team getting patients mobilized. Colleagues report that they don’t hear the phrase “we can’t” from him but rather “let’s see how we can make this happen”. All members of the team regard Johnny as a pleasure to work with.