I wanted to take a moment to nominate an Extraordinary Nurse named Juana for this special recognition.  Juana is a CVICU nurse who possesses an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience. Time and time again, she has proven herself to be a shining example of what a great nurse should be. Whenever anyone on the unit needs help or advice, she is always their first go-to person. Her dedication to her colleagues and patients is truly remarkable. With her excellent critical thinking skills, she navigates complex situations with ease, ensuring the best possible outcomes for her patients. But what truly sets Juana apart is her genuine care and compassion for those in her care. She goes above and beyond to make sure her patients feel supported, comforted, and understood. Her ability to connect with people on a personal level is truly a gift.  Juana embodies every quality that makes a nurse exceptional. From her work ethic to her unwavering commitment to patient well-being, she is an inspiration to us all. Nursing is not just a job for Juana; it is a calling that she embraces wholeheartedly. Her contributions to the nursing profession are invaluable, and her impact on the lives of her patients is immeasurable. I will include comments from other nurses who work with her below, highlighting why they also find her deserving of the award.

•     “Juana is a whole-hearted, wise, and diligent nurse who is constantly seeking to help others, whether patients and their families or colleagues. She joyfully and generously gives of herself without seeking recognition or thanks, making all those around her feel valued. We’re blessed and so grateful for her presence! “

•     “Juana is one of the strongest and most compassionate nurses I have met. She always anticipates the needs of her patients and coworkers and goes above and beyond to contribute to our team to make it a great shift. It is always a pleasure to work with her and I personally have learned to stop and think of the little things that can make such a positive impact on the day." 

•    "There are not enough great words to say about Juana. She is everyone’s favorite nurse she goes above and beyond for her coworkers, for the doctors, and for her patients."

•     “Juana is an Extraordinary Nurse! She is the first one up when a new patient arrives to the floor. She goes out of her way to help and never questions anything that is asked of her. She will stay late or come in early when we are short-staffed. She is truly a blessing! “

•     “Juana is who I aspire to be when I grow up as a nurse. She is knowledgeable and shares that knowledge freely and without judgement. She is always kind, going the extra mile for patients: doing their hair, painting their nails, talking to them, and holding their hands to comfort them. She provides excellent care and then also adds a personal human touch which helps heal her patient's body and soul. She is the unit ninja who swoops in to help when anyone asks but also fixes issues you didn't even know you needed help with, she is that good. She picks up extra to help when the unit is short and stays late if needed.  She is easily the most valuable nurse on our unit!"