They ( Denise, Magdaline and Jessy) went above and beyond to make sure that I was comfortable, and everything went well.

RGC - Patient

She went above and beyond for my patient and I last Friday 2-23-2024. I wish I met her earlier on in my nursing career. She’s a model nurse and the type of nurse I hope to emulate someday!

Felicia Akinwande, MSN, MBA, RN - NHGRI

Amazing care from an amazing nurse!

KG - Patient

Wonderful job caring for my sister.

SM - Patient family member

RGC – Patient

Magdalena was my nurse for several of my days of infusions. She balanced extremely professional, competent nursing Care with humor, kindness, and compassion. From chatting about our vegetable gardens to her making sure I ordered both lunch and breakfast, I felt very cared for while she was my nurse. She also stopped by to see how I was doing when she would see me on other days while passing by my room. Thank you!

KC – Patient

Recently, our son experienced a sudden medical episode that was quite alarming for our family. Nurse Magdalene immediately took charge and managed the situation with calm and confidence. Her composed demeanor and clear communication not only ensured our son’s safety, but also greatly alleviated our fears once the situation was under control.

AC – Patient’s family member

Magdaline made me feel at home right from the beginning. When I was feeling cold (rubbing my hands), she noticed and offered me a warm blanket. She explained the procedure and took precaution by having the infusion done for 45min since this was the first time. She is the best patient focused and kind nurse I have seen in my life.

VS- Patient

Ruben's infectious smile and bubbly personality light up the workplace. The love and care he shows toward both coworkers and patients is truly heaven-sent. He is amazing and incredibly supportive!

From a Patient:

I appreciate the staff nurses and doctors who constantly check on my health and show genuine concern. Everyone is so caring, kind, and wonderful—it makes me feel like a child surrounded by a loving family. Thank you to every staff member for working with me, supporting me, staying on top of scheduling, and always making sure I have everything I need.

Eva collaborates closely with the hospital epidemiology service to address safety concerns and deliver targeted education, ensuring that best practices are consistently upheld. Her expertise allows her to accurately identify root causes of environment of care variances and apply a structured process improvement approach to resolve issues effectively.

Eva’s commitment to quality is evident in her proactive suggestions for correcting specific deficiencies, empowering staff to enhance their practices. Her thorough and meticulous documentation of environment of care assessments is submitted to nursing leadership on a weekly basis, providing critical insights that support ongoing safety and quality initiatives.

Eva Sabah-Valley’s dedication, expertise, and leadership make her an invaluable asset to the OP 10 clinic, significantly contributing to the clinic’s mission of delivering safe, high-quality patient care.

Your Name: Elizabeth Wendell, RN, NM

Throughout the project, Ms. Barber guided the team through a comprehensive review of existing outpatient documentation practices. She spearheaded efforts to revise templates, ensuring they align with the most current standards and best practices. To enhance the accuracy and quality of the documentation, Ms. Barber conducted thorough research, referencing guidelines from the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing. She also engaged senior nursing leadership, seeking their feedback to continuously refine and improve the documentation process.

Ms. Barber’s collaborative approach extended to her team members, as she worked diligently to deepen her understanding of patient documentation practices across the healthcare continuum. Her leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to excellence have been instrumental in elevating the quality and depth of nursing documentation within the Clinical Center Nursing Department.

Ms. Barber’s contributions have made a significant impact on patient care outcomes, and her forward-thinking suggestions will ensure that outpatient documentation continues to meet and exceed current standards. Without a doubt, Ms. Barber is exceptionally deserving of this prestigious award.

Elizabeth Wendell, RN, Nursing Manager

Without hesitation, Ms. Smith took the initiative to contact the driver, offer directions, and patiently stand with the family for over 90 minutes until their ride finally arrived. A heartfelt card sent by the patient later expressed their gratitude, stating:

  "We will never forget your kindness when you helped us get an Uber!   There we were, tired and cold, and you stayed with us until we were   safe and sound in our Uber – on New Year’s Eve, no less! Thank you   for being you. Your caring ways will help change the world and bring   light to people's lives."

We are incredibly proud to have Ms. Regina Smith on the OP3 team. Her dedication to caring for others is truly inspiring, and she sets a shining example of selflessness and empathy.

At the age of 29, Yosanne faced a significant health challenge that required hospitalization. The experience was daunting, but it was during her stay that she encountered the true essence of nursing. The kindness, expertise, and unwavering support of the nursing staff left a lasting impression on her. Inspired by their dedication to patient care, she began to see the nursing profession in a new light. It was then that she realized that her calling lay in helping others during their most vulnerable moments. Over the past ten years, Yosanne has continued to grow both personally and professionally. She has built a reputation for her exceptional patient care, combining her clinical skills with empathy and compassion. While she enjoyed her time in cardiac and trauma nursing, Yosanne delved into travel nursing. It was during her travel assignment here at the NIH that she discovered her true passion in oncology and transplant nursing. The intricacies of cancer care and the hope that comes with transplantation resonated with her deeply, motivating her to specialize in these areas.

Now, as an oncology and transplant nurse, Yosanne finds fulfillment in supporting patients and their families through some of the most challenging times of their lives. She advocates for her patients, ensuring they receive not only the best medical care but also the emotional support they need. Her journey from a reluctant nursing student to a dedicated healthcare professional is a testament to her resilience and commitment to making a difference.

Outside of her nursing career, Yosanne enjoys spending time with her family, participating in community health initiatives, and mentoring young nursing students. Through her work and advocacy, she hopes to inspire others to follow their passions and embrace the calling of nursing, just as she did. Yosanne Williams has not only found her place in the world but has also become a beacon of hope for those she serves.”

Haley consistently  finds ways to connect with patients in meaningful ways, motivating them towards behaviors that improve outcomes.  One of many examples is when Haley discovered that a patient who was struggling to find energy to ambulate and loved to dance.  She took time to find a soundtrack the patient enjoyed and together they did laps and danced around the unit.  Haley is a dedicated and hardworking professional who is deeply committed to ensuring the quality and safety of our patients. As the 1NW Safety and Quality Representative for the 1NW inpatient unit, she plays an essential role in advocating for patient well-being. Haley is an active participant in the Clinical Practice Council, where she consistently raises important safety concerns and works tirelessly to address them, bringing crucial issues to the forefront. Her unwavering dedication helps maintain a safe and high-quality care environment for our patients.

Ellen’s journey in nursing began at Montgomery College, where she laid the foundation for her compassionate practice. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, and further advanced her expertise with a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix.

Ellen discovered her passion for healthcare shortly after graduating high school and pursued it with determination. While taking pre-nursing courses at Montgomery College, she also worked part-time as a pharmacy technician—a role that strengthened her knowledge of medication management and laid a strong foundation for her future in nursing.

Ellen has been a dedicated oncology nurse for over 15 years, beginning her career as an infusion nurse in a private practice before joining Shady Grove Adventist Hospital as a staff nurse. In 2014, she became part of the 3SE Day Hospital, where she continues to make a lasting impact. Over the years, Ellen has taken on multiple roles, including charge nurse, triage nurse, and most notably, a trusted preceptor and mentor to new nurses. She is also trained in administering Ommaya treatments and cellular therapy. Beyond direct patient care, Ellen serves as the unit’s Nursing Informatics representative and is the hazardous committee champion—roles that underscore her strong commitment to patient safety, clinical excellence, and fostering professional growth in others.

Outside of work, Ellen’s passion lies in traveling and collecting meaningful memories with her family. She also enjoys outdoor activities that bring them closer together and dedicates time to supporting her local animal shelter, reflecting her caring spirit beyond the nursing profession.

On a challenging morning with several callouts, Preetha quickly recognized the issue and effectively reorganized the staff within the Pediatric Program of Care. She remained calm throughout and ensured that each area felt supported. Everything was handled smoothly. She also anticipated potential challenges the new graduate might face and provided guidance and support with her assignment. Preetha has been a valuable asset to the Pediatric Program of Care. Over the past year, she has consistently stepped in to fill gaps when needed, taken on extra hours, and offered a helping hand to her colleagues. Her dedication and teamwork have made a meaningful impact.

"I am honored in receiving the House of Hope award and wanted to extend this award to my colleagues as well. Without them, I would not have been able to grow as a young nurse in this profession. Their kindness and open-minded sight for taking me under their wings have taught me so much about nursing.

There are moments that stay with me — a quiet thank-you from a family, a patient who smiled through their pain, a colleague who had my back when I was overwhelmed. This award reflects those moments, and of the team I work with who make it possible to show up and give my best.

Nursing, to me, is about being really present in people’s most vulnerable moments. Whether its advocating upon their behalf, holding a hand during a tough procedure, I try every day to work on my skills and my heart. I thank the individuals that have nominated me, your words mean so much, and it is something that I will keep near my heart.

Receiving this award reminds me that the small things aren’t so little. They all matter- and I am honored to keep doing this work, one patient at a time.

In my free time, I enjoy playing the bass, reading books, listening to music, and catching up on my sleep." -Ginger

Messages from our patients:

“Ginger entered the room with such care and quiet professionalism… Ginger consistently demonstrated warmth, professionalism, and genuine compassion. Her presence made a significant difference in my experience, and I’m grateful for the care she provided.”

“Ginger called herself a ‘baby nurse’ all the while showing competency in explaining medication safety & common illness more clearly than… had ever been communicated to me before… Ginger is a gifted nurse, NIH is fortunate to have her on staff. Thank you Ginger.”

Families have shared that Cynthia consistently takes the time to explain everything clearly and answer questions with patience and compassion, never making them feel like a burden. Even on days when she was not directly assigned to their care, Cynthia went out of her way to stop by-whether with a warm hello, a gentle smile, or a few words of encouragement- ensuring that patients and families always felt seen, supported, and cared for.

Congratulations to Cynthia!

Michelle is being recognized for her exceptional dedication and outstanding contributions as a team player. She consistently goes above and beyond to support her colleagues, making her an invaluable resource and mentor—particularly to newer and younger nurses. Her guidance and approachability have helped foster a supportive and cohesive team environment.  In her role as a night shift charge nurse, Michelle has exemplified true leadership. She is proactive in checking in on her peers throughout the shift and is quick to offer assistance, especially during critical changes in patient status. Her calm presence and clinical expertise bring reassurance to both staff and patients during challenging moments.

Michelle’s commitment to high-quality care is evident in the numerous "High Quality Star" recognitions she has received. Her consistent display of a positive, go-getter attitude uplifts the entire team and greatly contributes to a strong, collaborative work culture.

“Ruben did my first blood draw series he was so methodical and explained so much to me, he helped me to understand what was expected of me as a study subject.

 He also helped me with puzzles, making my time here fly by.  Very friendly and competent, professional”

From a Coworker:

“Super energetic and knowledgeable about the entire unit, his character  and   work  ethics is beyond  motivation . loving spirit”.

                 I didn’t consider nursing, even though both of my aunts were nurses, until my senior year in college, when I worked as a research assistant for an Adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Nursing. After working there for two years as a project manager, completing quality of life surveys with spouses/caregivers of patients with prostate cancer, I decided to return to school to pursue a degree in nursing.  I attended the Duke School of Nursing accelerated bachelor's program. After completing my senior clinical intensive on an oncology unit at Duke Hospital, I decided to take my first nursing job at that unit and have been an oncology nurse ever since.

              I have worked as an inpatient oncology nurse, an outpatient oncology infusion nurse, an oncology triage nurse, and have also gained experience in radiation oncology across various settings including community hospitals, academic medical centers, and VA hospitals. When an opportunity presented to work and learn about BMT at NIH, I jumped at the chance. I am grateful to all the wonderful nurses, NPs, PAs, doctors, PTs/OTs, social workers, and other ancillary staff I have worked with over the years.  And also grateful to all the families and patients.

When I’m not at work, I like to walk trails and parks with my dog Jax, “re-learning” to play piano, and practicing yoga.

Giselle’s is highly appreciated by her coworkers and managers on 3NE who say about her: “Giselle is an excellent very experienced nurse, charge nurse, and preceptor. In all of her roles on 3NE, Giselle is very hardworking, remains calm under pressure, and is very generous with her time never hesitating to help a coworker in need. Thank you Giselle for being so deeply dedicated to the success of our patients and the 3NE team”.

It’s hard to put into words the impact that Bianca has on our unit. As our urology Nurse Specialist, she brings clinical excellence and a calm, steady presence to every shift. Bianca precepts staff in both the circulating and scrub role for urology cases ensuring the understanding of complex specimen collection and patient care.

Her contributions go far beyond her role as a nurse. She is the heart behind so many of our unit’s staff celebrations and morale boosting events. Whether it is Nurse's week, EVS week, Surgical Tech week, or just a reason to bring everyone together, she makes sure every team member –regardless of role- is seen, appreciated, and celebrated. She always organizes very memorable and fun outings that create opportunities for connection that strengthen the whole team.

Bianca leads with dedication, thoughtfulness, and an ever-positive attitude. She is the first to offer kind words to uplift a colleague and ensure everyone feels included. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and her kindness is constant. We’re all better because she is part of the team.

Melissa is confident and exudes a calm presence when working with a complicated patient population. She responds promptly to urgent matters, demonstrating excellent attention to detail and reliability. Melissa has consistently shown kindness and respect toward patients and their families. She is a true team player, always attentive to important protocol details. In challenging situations, staff have recognized her for her calm demeanor and confidence. Many have expressed what a pleasure it has been to work with her.

Outside of work, Lizzy enjoys spending quality time with family, traveling, watching movies, gardening, and volunteering through her church to make pillows and blankets for cancer patients.

Lizzy is widely recognized for her exceptional compassion, leadership, and dedication to both patients and colleagues. As a 5SWSDH Charge Nurse, she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure high-quality patient care while supporting her team. Patients praise her gentle manner, kindness, and attentiveness, noting how she takes time to listen, explain procedures, and make them feel comfortable and cared for during treatments. Colleagues value her strong leadership, clinical growth, and ability to manage complex situations while maintaining a calm, supportive presence. Lizzy is also a dedicated educator and team builder who actively volunteers for projects, leads performance improvement efforts, and organizes events that strengthen morale and unity within the unit. Her commitment to patient advocacy, staff support, and creating a positive environment makes her an invaluable member of the team and truly deserving of recognition.

Lizzy Hayford, BSN, RN, AMB-BC, is a Clinical Research Nurse on 5SWSDH with over 10 years of nursing experience and more than five years of service at the NIH Clinical Center.

Outside of work, Lizzy enjoys spending quality time with family, traveling, watching movies, gardening, and volunteering through her church to make pillows and blankets for cancer patients.

Lizzy is widely recognized for her exceptional compassion, leadership, and dedication to both patients and colleagues. As a 5SWSDH Charge Nurse, she consistently goes above and beyond to ensure high-quality patient care while supporting her team. Patients praise her gentle manner, kindness, and attentiveness, noting how she takes time to listen, explain procedures, and make them feel comfortable and cared for during treatments. Colleagues value her strong leadership, clinical growth, and ability to manage complex situations while maintaining a calm, supportive presence. Lizzy is also a dedicated educator and team builder who actively volunteers for projects, leads performance improvement efforts, and organizes events that strengthen morale and unity within the unit. Her commitment to patient advocacy, staff support, and creating a positive environment makes her an invaluable member of the team and truly deserving of recognition.

The nurses in the 5SWS day hospital, especially clover brown, go above and beyond to provide amazing care for their patients. I got extremely dizzy and was helped immediately and taken care of so well.   Patient and NIH CC team member

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Clover for her professionalism, courtesy, and kindness during my trial stay at the NIH. She was consistently pleasant to speak with and demonstrated genuine concern for my well-being. Her attentiveness and thoughtful approach ensured that I was comfortable and had everything I needed throughout my stay. It is clear that, Clover is a valuable asset to the NIH team, and I truly appreciate the care and support she provided.   Patient - Jeffrey

Very nice and sweet, felt comfortable.    T.G – Patient

Best Nurse Ever!!!!! Clover was so kind, friendly and professional. The NIH is lucky to have her.   V.R- Patient

Clover helped me to feel comfortable and cared for during my short stay at the day hospital. I was a more challenging stick for IV/blood draw but she got it on her first try. She also made me laugh! Amazing nurse!  A.M – Patient

Clover is the sweetest , most caring person. She was so personable and she made me feel really comfortable in the day hospital. She was so careful and thorough with her work and extremely patient as she set up the infusion I was getting. She is a very hard worker and is so lovely!   K.K – Patient

She was wonderful to take care of my patient - very attentive to all her concerns.   Carol lake – CC Team member

Brigitte truly caught my heart. She established such a trusting relationship with me. She always listened to my concerns and gently pushed me when she knew I was ready to learn more. Even during my hard days, she ensured that I was comfortable, capable, and supported.

What stood out the most was her consistency in communication about the plan for the day. Her approach significantly reduced my anxiety — something that has been challenging for me during previous hospital experiences.

BB is authentically caring, and compassionate. She took the time to explain each step of my care, what was planned next, and always made sure I understood. Most importantly, she encouraged my questions without any judgment, which made a huge impact on my healing journey during this challenging hospitalization.

Thank you for taking a moment to recognize Brigitte’s exceptional care. She truly deserves commendation for her dedication, compassion, and the exceptional care she provides. I am deeply grateful.

Congratulations Brigitte!!

Her involvement in shaping float guidelines and her leadership roles as a preceptor and charge nurse speak to her collaborative spirit and willingness to mentor others. Plus, balancing responsibilities like being the POCT Unit coordinator and ensuring staff competencies shows a strong sense of accountability and dedication to the team’s growth.

Jessie embodies the values of the Clinical Center, from advocating for her patients to working on continuous improvements for her colleagues.

One patient recognized her and noted “Jessie’s care for me was above and beyond the “standard” nursing duties. Jessie demonstrated an outstanding personal care for my feelings and was actively looking for ways to make it easier on me during the lowest points of my stay. I will never forget Jessies’ real concern and heart touching connection.”

               Congratulations Jessie!!!

“I would like to recognize an extraordinary nurse. She is both skilled and comforting. Her ability to empathize and offer genuine care truly exemplifies the meaning of being a nurse. She always came in with a smile and took the time to listen.

One evening, she asked me how I was doing. I replied, 'Quite anxious.' She acknowledged my feelings and gently asked, 'How would you like to deal with your anxiety? What can we work on together to help you feel better?' That meant a lot to me. I felt heard and valued. She helped me think about how to manage my anxiety not just during my stay here, but in my everyday life going forward.

She coached me through simple but powerful tools: deep breathing, closing my eyes, trying to relax, and talking through what I was feeling. She was instrumental to my healing.

And here’s the best part — she came back the next night and asked how I was doing again. Then we celebrated together, as simply as saying, 'Great job! You did it!'

Please recognize her: Orchid Belzor. she truly made a difference in my life.”

Congratulations Orchid!!!

She is always willing to step in and help whenever needed, and her commitment to patient care is evident in every role she takes on. The care she provides goes above and beyond, setting a high standard for compassionate and effective nursing.

As a charge nurse, she has received high praise from the Administrative Coordinators for her flexibility, professionalism, and sound decision-making. They appreciate her dependable support, especially when navigating complex resource needs. Her calm, collaborative approach ensures that both staff and patients receive the best possible care.

Congratulations Danielle!!

For the House of Hope

From Patient

Rose Piard is an absolute gem! She is incredibly kind, understanding, and always willing to repeat herself whenever I have questions.        

She consistently prioritizes my comfort with genuine care, love, and support. I always feel that I am in good hands with her.

I am truly grateful for everything she does!

In addition, Alice's commitment to our team's well-being extends beyond the immediate demands of patient care. Her active involvement in the unit scheduling committee is a testament to her dedication to fostering a sustainable, collaborative, and fair work environment.

Alice recently received a high-quality STARS recognition from a coworker for her support in managing an unstable patient through the night. Due to her care, family was able to spend the night with the patient until they had to make the difficult decision to withdraw care the following morning. We are truly grateful to have such a deeply dedicated, caring, and knowledgeable nurse in our team. Congratulations to Alice!

For nearly two years, Sonia has been an invaluable member of our unit, demonstrating an extraordinary ability to balance the demands of both work and academic pursuits while remaining unwavering in her commitment to her patients and colleagues. She is deeply respected by her peers and consistently cultivates an environment grounded in support, collaboration, and excellence. 

Sonia embodies the very essence of compassionate care. Her kindness, professionalism, and genuine empathy are evident in every patient interaction. She possesses a remarkable ability to connect with those she serves, fostering a sense of trust, dignity, and comfort that leaves a lasting impact. Her attention to detail, strong work ethic, and steadfast dedication ensure that she consistently delivers care of the highest quality. 

What distinguishes Sonia most profoundly is her calm and reassuring presence. Even in the most demanding and fast-paced moments, she remains composed, approaching each patient with patience, grace, and heartfelt compassion. Her presence brings a sense of ease not only to her patients but also to her colleagues. In fact, when Sonia is not on the unit, patients often ask for her by name. The depth of her impact is perhaps best captured in the words of one of her patients: “She takes such great care of me. I just love her.” Such sentiments speak volumes about the trust and comfort she inspires. 

Sonia’s background in military service further enriches her practice, instilling in her a deep sense of discipline, resilience, and reliability. Her steady demeanor and positive outlook, even in challenging circumstances, uplift those around her and contribute meaningfully to the strength and spirit of our unit. 

Though originally from California and often sharing how much she misses her family, Sonia brings a sense of warmth and belonging to our team. Through simple yet meaningful gestures—such as sharing her love of baking with colleagues—she fosters connection and camaraderie, strengthening the fabric of our unit community. 

We are truly honored to have Sonia as a member of the 3SEN family. Her unwavering dedication, compassionate spirit, and quiet strength make her exceptionally deserving of this recognition. She represents the very heart of what the House of Hope Award stands for. 

The patient was admitted with severe airway swelling and was identified as a difficult airway requiring intubation and machanical ventilation. Although critically ill, he was often awake while on the ventilator and experienced moments of fear and uncertainty. In a heartfelt handwritten nomination, he described how Kristin consistently brought him comfort during those difficult times. Despite English not being his primary language and Spanish not being hers, he shared that they were able to communicate as though they were speaking the same language. Through kindness, empathy, and genuine human connection, she helped him feel understood, safe, and cared for when he was most vulnerable.

The patient also spoke of the exceptional care Kristin extended beyond his bedside. Recognizing the stress and worry his mother was experiencing, Kristin took time to ensure she was supported and informed, proving reassurance and comfort to the family throughout his hospitalization.

In his own words, the patient wrote, "She is a leader and cares for me and my mom. I can only say good things about her. I know she chose the right career, but we need more people like this out there. She can make a 2/10 day into 7/10 just by her care."

This nomination exemplifies the spirit of House of Hope. Through compassionate care, cultural humility, advocacy, and unwavering support for both patient and family, Kristin demonstrated that healing extends far beyond medical treatment. She transformed a frightening experience into one marked by trust, dignity, and hope, leaving a lasting impact that her patient felt compelled to recognize in writing.

Brian consistently goes above and beyond his duties, demonstrating exceptional clinical judgment and dedication to patient care. During emergency situations, including code blues, Brian responds with confidence, quickly performs critical assessments, and remains calm under pressure. His commitment to excellence and his ability to provide skilled, compassionate care never waiver.

Brian’s leadership, teamwork, and unwavering dedication to his patients and colleagues exemplify the values of the House of Hope Award. Congratulations, Brian, and thank you for the remarkable impact you make on our team and our patients every day.