Sonia was nominated by a family of three patients. She was said to be a “caring, professional individual who apparently loves her job and can immediately connect with her patients.”

The husband of a patient wrote: “This lady went above and beyond to ensure that my wife was properly taken care of in a professional, safe, caring manner. She was very quick to respond to all types of pain that my wife experienced. Sonia handled several emergency situations with a professional aplomb. She was a very calming influence on both my wife and myself. She is a credit to your hospital.”

Similarly, a daughter of a patient wrote, “My mother has been a patient at Chesapeake Regional twice this year. During our most recent visit, we had several exceptional nurses. Sonia Wilcox, however, stood out from all the others. She was so wonderful that we asked the charge nurse to assign Sonia to be my mother’s nurse every day that Sonia worked. Whenever Sonia was on, I had absolutely no worries about my mother’s care. Sonia went above and beyond on a daily basis with my mother. She ensured that my mother drank water, Ensure, and other liquids throughout the day and encouraged her to eat her meals. By the time my mother was discharged, she was eating 100% of her meals. Sonia, by far, was the best nurse my mother has ever had. She is a jewel in your lineup, and I highly recommend her for this award.”