Linda Sy, RN, who nominated Jesi Bernardo, RN explained, "to choose one specific story or example that illustrates the work and care Jesi Bernardo provides is near impossible. It is continually on display when patients return to our unit or while visiting as an inpatient. Not only do the patients and families feel her warmth, the staff does as well. Jesi is a strong patient advocate and a nurse advocate."

When presenting the award to Jesi, Mary Dee Hacker, Chief Nursing Officer, explained, "We do not say thank you to nurses enough. You've made a difference to patients and families. As strong as you are, the excellence is in the team."

With not a dry eye in the room, Jesi emotionally thanked her colleagues, friends and family for helping her achieve her dreams and being present for the ceremony. While accepting the award, she remarked, "I can't thank you enough. It means a lot. I know that you appreciate all that I do."

"Jesi is an awesome team leader and is a strong backbone to our unit. When Jesi is charge nurse, you know that you are going to have a good day. She is the kind of charge nurse that cares deeply about the patients and the nurses on the unit," Linda said.

"Jesi never hesitates to lend a hand and provide advice for any problematic situation. Jesi is always organized and aware of situations with the patients, nurses and their assignments throughout the shift. She is very flexible, approachable, as well as extremely knowledgeable."

Jesi who is a lead nurse on 6West, not only contributes everyday to the smooth functioning of the unit, she also contributes in the background, as she was recently instrumental in the launching of Clarivia, an online scheduling system for CHLA clinicians.