Rhona
Clark
June 2026
Rhona
Clark
,
BSN, RN
Long Beach Memorial Medical Center
Long Beach
,
CA
United States
Her compassion, grace, and empathy transformed my father's experience and served as a powerful reminder of the difference a dedicated nurse can make.
Nurse Rhona demonstrated exceptional compassion, grace, and empathy throughout my father's first hospital admission in over 20 years. She cared for him twice on night shift, and from the very beginning, she approached him with a calm, reassuring presence, taking the time to listen attentively to concerns and fears without judgment.
He was admitted for back pain, and later, we discovered he had an abscess in his L spine. She was the first nurse to suggest interventions that weren't pain medication, such as warm packs and an abdominal binder to support his back. She also suggested a Lidocaine patch when my father mentioned he didn't like the feeling of being drowsy from Morphine or Oxycodone, so she called the MD right away when my father agreed.
Her ability to connect on a human level helped ease anxiety and created a sense of trust and comfort during a vulnerable time, especially since I had to convince him the first place to get seen for care.
Nurse Rhona consistently treated my father with dignity and respect, ensuring that every interaction was kind and patient. Whether explaining procedures in a way he could understand, responding to questions, or simply offering a supportive word, Nurse Rhona showed genuine care that went beyond her clinical responsibilities.
Small but meaningful gestures-such as checking in frequently to ensure he had what he needed before sleep, remembering personal details about me and his grandkids, and offering encouragement prior to procedures-made a lasting impact.
In moments of difficulty, Nurse Rhona remained composed and graceful, providing steady emotional support not only to my father but to his girlfriend at bedside.
My father is not the easiest person to deal with. He may ask too many questions or ask for too many little things. Her empathy was evident in her ability to anticipate needs and respond with both sensitivity and professionalism.
Overall, Nurse Rhona exemplified patient-centered care. Her compassion, grace, and empathy transformed my father's experience and served as a powerful reminder of the difference a dedicated nurse can make.
As a nurse in leadership, I experienced firsthand how Nurse Rhona cared for my father, which truly represents what the DAISY award is all about.
He was admitted for back pain, and later, we discovered he had an abscess in his L spine. She was the first nurse to suggest interventions that weren't pain medication, such as warm packs and an abdominal binder to support his back. She also suggested a Lidocaine patch when my father mentioned he didn't like the feeling of being drowsy from Morphine or Oxycodone, so she called the MD right away when my father agreed.
Her ability to connect on a human level helped ease anxiety and created a sense of trust and comfort during a vulnerable time, especially since I had to convince him the first place to get seen for care.
Nurse Rhona consistently treated my father with dignity and respect, ensuring that every interaction was kind and patient. Whether explaining procedures in a way he could understand, responding to questions, or simply offering a supportive word, Nurse Rhona showed genuine care that went beyond her clinical responsibilities.
Small but meaningful gestures-such as checking in frequently to ensure he had what he needed before sleep, remembering personal details about me and his grandkids, and offering encouragement prior to procedures-made a lasting impact.
In moments of difficulty, Nurse Rhona remained composed and graceful, providing steady emotional support not only to my father but to his girlfriend at bedside.
My father is not the easiest person to deal with. He may ask too many questions or ask for too many little things. Her empathy was evident in her ability to anticipate needs and respond with both sensitivity and professionalism.
Overall, Nurse Rhona exemplified patient-centered care. Her compassion, grace, and empathy transformed my father's experience and served as a powerful reminder of the difference a dedicated nurse can make.
As a nurse in leadership, I experienced firsthand how Nurse Rhona cared for my father, which truly represents what the DAISY award is all about.