Yavanas is an RN who goes above and beyond to demonstrate excellence, professionalism, compassion, and evidence-based nursing care in all he does. He went above and beyond from the moment he introduced himself as my nurse, showing knowledge about my case details, medication details, what to expect after my surgery, and ways to manage my pain and major abdominal and rectal mass and lymph node removal surgery recovery care safely. He not only explained my care goals, walking, spirometer, etc., but he also told me the research and reasons why it was important. This helped me be more motivated to get it done. He helped me manage my pain with interventions like an abdominal pillow and binder so I could get up and walk safely. Not only did he pay attention to the big picture and details in my care and care plan, he was also proactive in looking ahead and help coordinating what I would need for a successful discharge and recovery.

Yavanas was compassionate in his care. I could tell he cared about me as a person and related to my situation, going through cancer and a very aggressive surgery after chemo and being a younger patient myself who has a young family with three kids. I wasn’t a diagnosis; I was a person. His caring and encouragement and meeting me where I was at meant the world to me in my care and recovery. He supported me and listened to me and my concerns. While we were blessed by the entire nursing team we had at MD Anderson, Yavanas’s care stood out above the rest. He paid attention to every detail, demonstrated an understanding of medical and procedural knowledge unique to my case, and demonstrated excellent communication skills when working with the entire multidisciplinary team.

My case had two surgeons, residents, fellows, PA, ARNP, PT, OT, and ostomy nurse attending to me - when Yavanas was my nurse-he went above the call of duty to ensure all specialties were on the same page, updated regarding any changes I had in a timely, proficient, and efficient manner. You could see in his interactions with other care team members he was a respected colleague. Other day-shift and night-shift nurses on his team have also praised him. “Yavanas takes extra time to know each patient’s full medical history, procedure, and care goals.” -an evening shift RN. “Yavanas is great and on top of what needs to be done, you can expect him to be on time, he’s always here early,” an evening shift RN. “Yavanas will always help you out, I’m glad he’s working today,” a day shift RN. “Yavanas pays attention to every detail with his patients, he’s a great nurse. You’re in good hands,” another PACU RN. Thank you, Yavanas! Your quick attention to detail and proactive, evidence-based nursing care have been life-giving and time-saving. Thank you!!