Janine joined our cardiology team as an experienced international nurse from the Philippines a little less than 2 years ago. After overcoming the initial culture shock, she soon began to shine brightly with her own distinct style of professionalism that she brought with her. When Janine comes to work, I mean, she really works! The team noticed that she never complained–not a single word, no matter how hard the day went or how demanding her patients or their families might be. In the midst of her own busy shifts, when there are call bells or other nurses asking for help, she always offers to help–and then follows through quickly and completely.

One day, right after she finished orientation, she had a deaf patient, but a translator would not be available until the afternoon. As charge, I started to worry. To my surprise, Janine is fluent in sign language, and there was no difference between her and her patient’s sign language. I was so proud to have her on our team!

Janine brings a unique kind of strength in humility that is often missing from the dominant culture here. Another time, I was rounding in the unit, and I heard her patient speaking extremely rudely to her. I was about to say something, because this kind of interaction often requires charge nurse involvement, but Janine had it handled. She exemplified professionalism with unyielding patience, caring and kindness. That day, and so many others since, went well because of Janine!