Carl McDonald is an amazingly capable and conscientious nurse and a wonderful human who shows care and compassion in everything he does. From what I saw as a patient, he exemplifies integrity, empathy, respect, and teamwork.

He was my nurse on transplant day and throughout my hospital stay, but even when he wasn’t my nurse, he would always stop into my room for a quick hello or to help with a call bell. Being in the hospital can feel dehumanizing because you have so little control over things, but Carl made me feel seen and made me feel more like myself. He is deeply empathetic and has an emotional intelligence that seems to come naturally.

My husband and I were always laughing when Carl was with us. He helped turn transplant day—a day that can be very nerve-wracking and scary—into something joyous. His energy and laughter are contagious. You can tell he loves what he does through his actions at the bedside.

He also loves quality improvement, infection prevention, and education. It reflects in how meticulous he is in his nursing care. From how frequently he changes his gloves and performs hand hygiene, to how attentive he is to my central line. He was precepting while he was my nurse, and how he taught and supported the new nurse is noteworthy. It speaks to him as a team member who wants everyone to succeed.