I cannot say enough wonderful things about what a fabulous bedside nurse and charge nurse Karen Russell is! I have watched her be in charge of the OICU, when it still existed, and take a 2 patient assignment with ease. She educated the families thoroughly in preparation for the bone marrow transplants, she advocated for her families with the physicians, was a strong and thorough resource as charge, thinks outside of the box, and always leads by example. She has helped us all transition into our new tower by running, literally running, around helping all of us nurses, keeping a positive attitude, having a great sense of humor, advocating and being empathetic to bedside nurses, and still finds time to do staffing, be a resource, admit, etc. It is a pleasure and an honor to work with Karen.

I first met and worked with Karen over 13 years ago when I was a new Hem/Onc RN at Loma Linda and I can honestly say that she continues to inspire me to be a better educator, stronger advocate, and be the best nurse I can be for our patients and families. I cannot think of a nurse who deserves this award more than Karen Russell!