John Velasquez was my day shift nurse for three consecutive days. John embodies all of the qualities I believe every RN should possess. These qualities include Empathy, Compassion, Kindness, Caring, Character, and Integrity. John was with a student nurse and provided her with enough nursing oversight and freedom for her development, while not compromising my patient care. He was prompt when responding to my call light, and while in my room, he made me feel as though I was the most important patient that he had for his shift. He was never rushed to leave, and before he left, he made sure my needs were taken care of. John utilized the dry erase board which showed me when medications were given and when I could request additional doses. The board also provided me with the names of nursing leadership. I believe it takes a confident and competent nurse to train and precept. You must possess the confidence in your own nursing knowledge and skills while providing educational opportunities and guidance for those you train.
John has the perfect blend of knowledge and confidence to assist his students with their own nursing development. He leads by example and is a role model for student nurses as well as for new graduates. Northwest Medical Center is fortunate to have him in his role as a trainer, preceptor and nursing leader. As an RN myself, it truly warms my heart to know RNs such as John Velasquez are at the bedside providing the nursing instruction and preceptor guidance that Florence Nightingale envisioned more than a century ago.