Shanna Butler
September 2025
Shanna
Butler
,
RN
C3IU
AdventHealth Celebration
Celebration
,
FL
United States
Shanna embodies the qualities every nurse should strive for—compassion, advocacy, professionalism, and humanity
During my recent hospitalization, I had the privilege of being cared for by Shanna, whose compassion, professionalism, and genuine kindness made a profound difference in my experience. I had been admitted for several days, undergoing repeat testing and facing difficult news about my treatment plan. The hospital was extremely busy, and the doctors had limited time to spend with each patient. Yet despite the demands of her role, Shanna consistently went above and beyond to ensure I felt seen, heard, and supported. She took the time to listen to my concerns and to understand the challenges I was facing—not just medically, but personally. She recognized how much I missed my son and daughter at home, and when they visited with my husband, she welcomed them warmly. She offered them water and popsicles, spoke with them as if they were her own family, and ensured they felt comfortable even when she needed to perform procedures. When my children were resting in the room, Shanna would quietly enter, tiptoeing to my bedside, and gently check on me without disturbing them. Shanna also became a true advocate for me. At times, it was overwhelming to navigate conversations with my care team, but she was always willing to speak up on my behalf. She showed remarkable intuition, often anticipating my needs before I expressed them. On more than one occasion, when I said I “didn’t need” something out of embarrassment, she provided it anyway, knowing it would help me. Her grace under pressure was remarkable. I witnessed her respond to a distressed patient who was yelling, and she remained calm, polite, and compassionate. She returned to my room afterward with the same warmth and positivity, never letting stress diminish the care she provided. Shanna made me feel not just like a patient, but like a person. She celebrated with me when I finally received the treatment I needed, sharing in my relief and joy as though it were her own. This level of empathy and humanity is rare and invaluable in healthcare. Having had many hospital experiences, I can say with certainty that Shanna made this one profoundly different. She created an environment of comfort, dignity, and trust. She made me feel cared for, understood, and valued. Shanna embodies the qualities every nurse should strive for—compassion, advocacy, professionalism, and humanity. I am deeply grateful for her care, and I wholeheartedly nominate her for this recognition. She deserves to be celebrated.