December 2025
Erin
Lay
,
RN
Critical Care Specialty Team
Loma Linda University Medical Center
Loma Linda
,
CA
United States
Showing us every day what it means to be compassionate, patient, and steadfast in the face of challenges.
I am honored to nominate Erin for this Award in recognition of her outstanding dedication and leadership on 7A. As a new grad, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Erin and have witnessed firsthand the incredible impact she has on both her team and her patients.
From day one, Erin made me feel supported and valued. Her guidance wasn’t just about teaching clinical skills, even though she’s an expert in that area too, but about showing me what it means to truly care for our patients and work together as a team. I’ve watched her stay calm and focused during some of the most intense moments, always thinking critically and making sure the needs of both patients and staff were met.
One moment that really stood out for me was when we had a particularly challenging shift, and things were getting overwhelming. Erin took a minute to check in with each of us, asking how we were doing, offering assistance where needed, and making sure we didn’t feel alone in the chaos. She could have easily been preoccupied with her own responsibilities, but instead, she made sure we were all supported. That level of care and attention to detail is something I admire deeply.
Erin is the kind of nurse who doesn’t just lead by title; she leads by example. Showing us every day what it means to be compassionate, patient, and steadfast in the face of challenges. She’s not just a Charge Nurse; she’s a mentor, a role model, and a true source of inspiration for all of us. Her dedication to 7A and to the people she works with is unmatched, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition than Erin.
From day one, Erin made me feel supported and valued. Her guidance wasn’t just about teaching clinical skills, even though she’s an expert in that area too, but about showing me what it means to truly care for our patients and work together as a team. I’ve watched her stay calm and focused during some of the most intense moments, always thinking critically and making sure the needs of both patients and staff were met.
One moment that really stood out for me was when we had a particularly challenging shift, and things were getting overwhelming. Erin took a minute to check in with each of us, asking how we were doing, offering assistance where needed, and making sure we didn’t feel alone in the chaos. She could have easily been preoccupied with her own responsibilities, but instead, she made sure we were all supported. That level of care and attention to detail is something I admire deeply.
Erin is the kind of nurse who doesn’t just lead by title; she leads by example. Showing us every day what it means to be compassionate, patient, and steadfast in the face of challenges. She’s not just a Charge Nurse; she’s a mentor, a role model, and a true source of inspiration for all of us. Her dedication to 7A and to the people she works with is unmatched, and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition than Erin.