Regina Duncan is one of those people who will do anything for anybody at any time. She brings this sense of purpose to her role as the Oncology Unit Director. 

Regina is consistently doing a variety of things for the patients on her unit and really anyone in need. She dismisses these small acts as just part of the job, however, it is so much more. 

She is touching the lives of her patients each and every day and inspiring her staff to do the same. 
I could not begin to list all that she does for her patients so I will just name a few that occurred this week (and it is only Tuesday). A patient on a neighboring unit who was wheelchair-bound and homeless was expressing concerns about being discharged. 

Regina took the time to go to Wal-Mart and purchase the man some new shoes, mittens, a hat, and a jacket to keep the man warm on these cold nights. When she went in to deliver the things she had purchased, the man started crying and said that no one had shown him this much kindness in years. This patient was not even on her unit but in Regina’s heart she could not let this patient be discharged without some basic needs being met. 

There is also a patient on 4200 who was diagnosed with cancer and has become very depressed as life keeps giving her obstacles to tackle. Regina took the time today to go buy the patient some cheery pajamas just as a small way to make her smile and encourage her to be active in her recovery. Because of Regina’s compassionate spirit, her team is empowered to do the same. Several nurses have bought this patient food from her favorite restaurants throughout her stay as a way to encourage her to get stronger and stay positive. 

Regina does these small things each and every day and never even talks about them, as this is just who she is. She buys Ensure for patients who cannot afford the supplements. She sings Happy Birthday (in Spanish while dancing) to all her of her patients who celebrate their special day in the hospital. She has helped celebrate a patient’s wedding anniversary. Regina always chooses to come eat Thanksgiving Dinner with her staff as a way to show her appreciation for all they do. The list goes on and on. 

Regina is a leader who would like to see her staff get recognized before herself. But I am taking the time today to say this organization would not be the same without Regina Duncan and the kindness she exudes each and every day. She challenges her staff, myself, and so many others to do the right thing for the patient always because you never know the struggle someone is going through. 

There is no one else that encompasses the spirit of this award more than Regina Duncan.