Sarah is an unwavering support for her patients. She is incredibly compassionate in an authentic and quiet manner. It is clear this is internally motivated without broadcasting to her peers or seeking recognition. She takes the time to sit and have conversation with her patients, allowing them to express their fears and hope. With the oncology population, there is a psychosocial component along with a cancer diagnosis and Sarah focuses on these in a skillful and artful manner. Through preceptorship, her orientees continuously mention how she is so caring and compassionate with the patients and their families.

Sarah was caring for a young gentleman who was married with a young child. They built a bond and she supported both the patient and his wife through this time. She provided care not only to the patient, but also his wife synthesizing the effects on the family. Through shared experiences, she was able to support the family in a truly impactful manner. Sarah cared for this gentleman through the end of life, communicating it was a privilege to care for this family. To this day, the patient's wife continues to send cards to our unit each holiday letting Sarah know she is still thinking of her and thankful for the care she provided.

Sarah was recently orienting a new graduate on NP-12. They were caring for a patient diagnosed with terminal cancer heading toward Hospice care. Her husband was simultaneously admitted on the East Pavilion with dementia. The nurses arranged to have the husband come to NP-12 and visit with his wife. He became slightly agitated because he could not find the flowers despite the fact he did not arrive to the unit with these flowers. Sarah excused herself from the room and went to the gift shop to purchase flowers. Returning to the patient's room she explained with great excitement she found his flowers. He was able to give them to his wife and they both were so happy and cried together. The patient was overjoyed at the notion her husband was so thoughtful. Sarah truly empowered both patients through her act of selflessness and kindness. The following week, the patient was discharged to inpatient Hospice.

Sarah Lopriore encompasses all of what a true oncology nurse is. She is selfless, compassionate, and mindful of everyone's needs; patients, families, and co-workers included. She personifies all that is good about nursing.