Ray Cheng's clinical skill and especially his compassionate care exemplify the kind of nurse that our patients, families, and coworkers recognize as an outstanding role model.

Ray provides quality care to his patients on a daily basis. When thinking about this nomination, I thought about the times he helped his fellow nurses, by performing tasks to help the day run smoother. But the one event that kept on coming to my mind was an observation I made while at the nurse's station one day.

Two family members came out of the room and called Ray to let him know that they were leaving. Their mom had just been placed on hospice care earlier in the day. The family had been at the bedside for the majority of the time. Ray went over to them and gave the woman a hug, and shook the gentleman's hand. He said "no problem, go home and rest. We will take great care of your mom." It was the simple gestures and words that made this family know how much we care. This simple act and personal connection made the family feel comfortable and less fearful during a difficult situation.

Ray carries out the SBMC mission statement everyday he works delivering compassionate care, health care excellence, and superior service. During my manager rounds, families say that Ray makes them feel like a friend. The nurses say he is a team player, always willing to lend a hand.
As a manager, I am proud to nominate Ray. He is an extraordinary nurse. The patients, families, and coworkers feel a little better when he is around.