Nursing has evolved to become a unique profession. It necessitates the knowledge of science combined with the art of healing (caring). Very few people are able to accomplish this, but Bernie (Bernard Espiritu) does. I make this claim not only as a nurse educator committed to ideal nursing practice but as a patient family member.

Bernie was one of the last nurses to take care of my father before he was placed on hospice. My father has since passed away with this recognition of Bernie being a long-time overdue. From the moment he introduces himself (consistently using AIDET, by the way), you notice Bernie’s kindness is genuine. The way he addressed my father and the respect that he showed him was a testament to Bernie’s cultural awareness of how to properly address a Filipino elder. This helped so much in gaining my father’s trust, not a small feat if you knew him. This almost seems like it should be enough, but Bernie is exceptionally smart, consistently aware of all current practices and a great resource to his peers.

Bernie is greatly depended on to precept transitioning nurses, whether it is into the higher acuity practice of DOU or as a new graduate RN. Truly a standout in his 2N team. He holds himself to very high standards of patient care, visibly upset when patient care is neglected especially knowing it is avoidable. I have never witnessed him be unpleasant to anyone. Despite the emotional and physical challenges of the pandemic (and still lingering in my opinion), I have never heard him disgruntled. He maintains a friendliness and approachability to everyone regardless of who you are: patient, family members, ancillary staff, and peers. He is a team player, who has no problem being independent, adapting to whatever the need is for the situation.

Bernie is a true DAISY Nurse, not only for his obvious commitment to providing good, consistent patient care, but for all the little unseen things that I was lucky enough to see firsthand.

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Bernie has been an outstanding member/staff in his unit. He is an authentic nurse and is a role model as a clinician and as a mentor. Bernie is the type of nurse to go above and beyond for his patients and his team. Bernie is always willing to help out if it meant that the patients, families, and colleagues will have a nicer day.

Bernie has been instrumental in training and mentoring the new grad RNs. Bernie has made a significant difference in promoting a healthy and nurturing environment for his new grad RN. As a nurse, Bernie has shown exemplary mentorship qualities to the new grad RN. He promotes growth, shares knowledge, and challenges the new grad RNs in their daily practice.

As a mentor, Bernie fosters a strong interpersonal communication. Past mentees have commented on his wealth of knowledge and experiences that they can learn from while seeking out the strength of his mentees. Bernie instills confidence in the new grad nurses so that they can move forward in their practice better and more confident by the time they are on their own. Bernie follows up with the new grads to ensure they have continued support even after training.

Bernie is the gold standard for the new grad preceptors/mentors for his willingness to share his knowledge and celebrating the little wins in a nurse’s career.