As you read the feedback below it is important to understand that it is coming from both the perspective of a patient caregiver and a healthcare leader. I have been in the healthcare industry for over 25 years including two cancer centers. Born and raised in Miami, I recognize the cultural dynamics of the melting pot in this city and understand the nuances of a big hospital system such as Baptist Health. (Patient), my mother, became a patient at MCI when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in the middle of 2021. Nayla Cepero, Nurse Navigator, was part of her healthcare team. The care Nayla provided my mother was superlative. She was always professional, conscientious, and kind. She expertly navigated through MCIs resources to ensure that my mother received the care she required in a timely manner. I frequently told her that she could walk on water, as more often than not she worked hand-in-glove with MCI partners to work Mom into already booked schedules belonging to both providers and ancillary services. Anytime there was an issue, Nayla worked diligently and expeditiously to overcome them. Nayla would always participate in my mother's visits to MCI and built a wonderful relationship with her. My mother looked forward to seeing her and found great comfort in her presence. I must say, I too was comforted by Nayla's contributions to her care. Nayla always answered my questions with the level of detail that would be provided to any staff member in direct patient care. She kept me abreast of her progress, helping negotiate her journey through the continuum of care. Her commitment to patient care experience, outcomes, knowledge, and utilization of resources, and her embodiment of Baptist Health Mission, Vision, and Values make her supremely qualified to care for patients with such a devastating diagnosis. Ultimately my mother lost her battle to breast cancer in February of 2022 but having Nayla as part of her healthcare team gave her a fighting chance. 

A word from Nayla's Leaders: This testimony is a representation of the exceptional care our Nurse Navigators provide on a daily basis. Nayla used her experience, judgment, and compassion to correctly identify this patient's significant needs and prioritize her care. What Nayla has done here is the best of what Navigation has to offer. No one can prevent cancer from diminishing a patient's capacity, but Nayla helped the family anticipate that it was coming and recommended advance directives. She created a relationship and provided consistent, expert, caring support at every step. She made the big, scary, confusing healthcare system feel warm and personal, and caring right up to and after her patient's passing. She is a truly special nurse.

Note: This is Nayla's 2nd DAISY Award!