Jolyn "Nikki" Truong, RN, BSN

I am writing with a heart full of gratitude to thank you for the incredible care and compassion you showed my mother during her 18-day stay in your unit at UC San Diego Health. While every member of your team played a role in making her final days more comfortable, I want to especially acknowledge you, Nikki, for the remarkable dedication, empathy, and professionalism you brought to every moment you spent with us.

My mother’s case was extremely complex—she was battling Stage 4 lung cancer with metastases to her brain, liver, and bones, all while suffering from an infection that even her doctors and specialists struggled to identify. Despite the severity and uncertainty of her condition, you approached her care with incredible patience, attentiveness, and compassion. Every detail mattered to you—from making sure her medications were given on time, to ensuring she wasn’t in pain, to helping her get up and move each day.

I come from a healthcare background myself, and while that might often change the dynamic between provider and family, you never once knew that—and it wouldn’t have made a difference. The way you cared for my mom wasn’t because someone was watching—it was simply who you are. Your work went beyond nursing tasks; it was deeply human, deeply kind, and it left a long-lasting impression on both me and my family.

You were hands-on even in the most difficult circumstances, never hesitating to help—even while pregnant yourself—when my mom was experiencing uncontrolled bowel movements. You acted swiftly and confidently when her breathing worsened, immediately calling the rapid response team and ensuring she got the urgent care she needed. And beyond all of this, you made sure I was okay too—checking in on me, making sure I had pillows and blankets for my overnight stays, and taking the time to thoroughly explain every medication, scan, and change in her care plan.

One thing I will never forget is the feeling of relief and joy we felt whenever you walked into my mom’s room in the morning. The moment we realized you would be her nurse for the day, we were absolutely ecstatic. You gave us a sense of security and trust that is rare and precious, especially in such vulnerable times. The comfort and care you provided helped solidify our confidence in UCSD as our primary hospital moving forward.

Although we lost my beloved mother, I take peace in knowing she was surrounded by love and cared for by such an exceptional team during her final days.

In addition to you, I would like to extend my deepest thanks to the rest of the amazing nurses and nurse aides who also played a role in her care: Caity, Irene, Gemma, Sheila, Sally, Basil, Jayson, Tessa, Mikayla, and nurse aides Nancy, Jean, and Kendra. Each of you brought warmth, skill, and humanity into her room every day. I sincerely apologize if I’ve missed anyone—please know that every person who stepped through that door touched our lives.

Thank you, Nikki, and thank you to the entire 2 East team. You made an unbearable situation just a little more bearable, and for that, we are forever grateful. I hope that you’ll be considered for this award, as you deserve every recognition possible. Thank you again, Nikki!