Marcela Jose, RN

In the spring, my cousin and I had the absolute privilege of being cared for by Marcela during the morning shift at Washington Hospital Center. She came in midway through the shift to relieve another nurse, and from the moment she stepped into the room, everything changed for the better.

Marcela introduced herself with a calm, warm confidence and an unmistakably positive aura that immediately lifted the atmosphere. My cousin and I were both exhausted, a little hangry, and overwhelmed. My cousin had a temporary pacemaker, multiple IV lines, wires everywhere, and that E.T.-style finger monitor — plus a chorus of chirping machines that had been wearing on her nerves. Despite all of that, Marcela walked in and made the room feel peaceful.

Without hesitation, she went straight into action, silencing the beeping machines with skill and ease. She communicated clearly and compassionately, explaining that she needed to flush her IV lines and administer another round of antibiotics. She didn’t just do tasks — she narrated them with care, making sure my cousin felt informed, respected, and safe.

Then came the part that truly set her apart: she noticed everything. She gently adjusted wires, helped reposition my cousin until she was genuinely comfortable, and even checked whether the room temperature felt right — especially after spotting my cousin’s seven-layer blanket situation. She tidied up the cluttered areas of the room, reassured us that food was on the way, and even offered a snack in the meantime. Her thoroughness was unreal. Her attentiveness was unmatched. And her kindness was unmistakable.

What moved me most was that she didn’t just care for my cousin — she cared for me too. She asked if I needed anything, acknowledged how tired we both were, and made us feel seen in a moment when we really needed that.

In the last month and a half, we’ve been to three different hospitals in the area. We’ve met some wonderful nurses along the way, but Marcela is, without question, the absolute best nurse we have encountered. Her level of compassion, competence, and genuine love for her work is rare. You can feel it instantly.

I had to leave a little early that day, but for the first time in a long stretch of hospital visits, I left with complete peace of mind. Even after my cousin was reassigned, Marcela still came by to check on her and say hello. That alone speaks volumes.

Marcela embodies what care should look like. She treated my cousin the way I would treat her if I were a nurse — with dignity, gentleness, and wholehearted attention. Washington Hospital Center is incredibly fortunate to have her, and we are deeply grateful for the care she provided us.

She is a true gift to her profession.