We are nominating nurse Sheena Porras because of the incredible care and compassion she showed while attending to my father, who was hospitalized at KP Richmond with a bowel obstruction. From the very beginning, Sheena went above and beyond in making sure my father felt safe and cared for. She didn't just check in during scheduled rounds; she regularly stopped by his room just to see how he was feeling, even if it wasn't her assigned time. Whether it was early in the morning or late in the evening, she always made time to check his comfort level, help adjust his position, or simply offer kind, reassuring words.

One time, she noticed he hadn't eaten much and gently encouraged him to try a few bites or go for a walk around the floor. She came back 15 minutes later just to see if he had managed to eat and brought warm tea to help settle his stomach. On another occasion, she noticed he looked uncomfortable and immediately helped adjust his IV and bedding, taking the time to explain what she was doing and why. She treated him with such dignity and attentiveness that it felt more like a loved one taking care of him rather than a staff member. Sheena also took the time to update us, his family, whenever she could, showing genuine concern not just for the patient, but for everyone around him.

Her empathy, consistency, and professional excellence made a stressful, painful experience feel manageable. Sheena Porras is the kind of nurse every patient hopes for, and she absolutely deserves to be recognized for the heart and dedication she brings to her work every single day.