Nazonn Di Fernandez
September 2024
Nazonn
Di Fernandez
,
MSN, RN
Hematology Helford 6th Floor
City of Hope National Medical Center
Duarte
,
CA
United States
What truly set Nazonn apart was her compassion. On many occasions, she would sit with me for a few minutes longer just to talk—whether it was about my treatment, my cases from work, how I was feeling, or even just everyday things to take my mind off being in the hospital.
I am honored to nominate 6 East Oncology Nurse Nazonn Fernandez, RN, for a DAISY Award in recognition of her exemplary contributions to my care. After being diagnosed with myelofibrosis earlier this year, I received a stem cell transplant and spent 38 days at COH. As a 69-year-old lawyer who had never been hospitalized before, it was a daunting and overwhelming experience. I was left feeling quite alone at night, however Nazonn made all the difference during those long, quiet hours.
Because Nazonn worked the night shift, she didn’t have much interaction with my family. She became one of my lifelines during the hardest part of my stay. Her presence each night was a source of immense comfort, and she went far beyond her duties to ensure I felt cared for and supported, even when the 14x14 hospital room felt like the loneliest place in the world.
Excellence in Delivering Patient Care:
Nazonn’s dedication to me was remarkable. During those 38 nights, she took the time to get to know me, making sure I wasn’t just another patient. Sleep was at a premium, and I was ultra-sensitive to light. During those dark nights, she cared for me using minimal light, so I wasn’t disturbed. She provided outstanding medical care and also cared for my emotional well-being. Whether it was explaining my treatment plan in simple terms or just sitting with me when I couldn’t sleep, Nazonn made sure I was never left to face my illness alone.
Compassion and Empathy:
What truly set Nazonn apart was her compassion. She recognized that, without my family there at night, I felt especially isolated. On many occasions, she would sit with me for a few minutes longer just to talk—whether it was about my treatment, my cases from work, how I was feeling, or even just everyday things to take my mind off being in the hospital.
Clinical Expertise:
Nazonn’s clinical expertise was evident in everything she did. From managing my treatments to educating me about what to expect, she demonstrated a deep understanding of oncology care. There were times when I was anxious about the side effects of the medications, but Nazonn was there to explain things clearly and reassure me with her knowledge. Her attention to detail and her skill in administering my care gave me great confidence that I was in expert hands.
Team Collaboration:
Even though Nazonn worked the night shift, she seamlessly coordinated with the day staff to ensure my care was consistent and smooth. Every morning, the day nurses were always well-informed about what had transpired overnight, and I knew that was because of Nazonn’s thorough communication. She worked closely with my doctors and other nurses to make sure I received the best care possible, and I could see how much they respected her input.
Patient Advocacy:
Nazonn always put my needs first. There was one night when I was feeling uneasy about a new treatment plan. She not only took the time to explain the details to me but also advocated on my behalf to the medical team to ensure that my concerns were addressed.
Professionalism:
Throughout my entire stay, Nazonn maintained a level of professionalism that was second to none. Despite the challenges of working the night shift, she was always calm, focused, and committed to providing the best care. Her dedication to her work never wavered, and she treated every aspect of her job with respect and integrity. Even in the quiet of the night, when things could have easily gone unnoticed, Nazonn always upheld the highest standards of care.
In conclusion, Nazonn Fernandez, RN, is an extraordinary nurse who went above and beyond to care for me during a very difficult and vulnerable time in my life. Despite the challenges of working the night shift, she was my constant support, offering both outstanding medical care and genuine compassion. I wholeheartedly believe she deserves the DAISY Award for the profound impact she had on me.
Because Nazonn worked the night shift, she didn’t have much interaction with my family. She became one of my lifelines during the hardest part of my stay. Her presence each night was a source of immense comfort, and she went far beyond her duties to ensure I felt cared for and supported, even when the 14x14 hospital room felt like the loneliest place in the world.
Excellence in Delivering Patient Care:
Nazonn’s dedication to me was remarkable. During those 38 nights, she took the time to get to know me, making sure I wasn’t just another patient. Sleep was at a premium, and I was ultra-sensitive to light. During those dark nights, she cared for me using minimal light, so I wasn’t disturbed. She provided outstanding medical care and also cared for my emotional well-being. Whether it was explaining my treatment plan in simple terms or just sitting with me when I couldn’t sleep, Nazonn made sure I was never left to face my illness alone.
Compassion and Empathy:
What truly set Nazonn apart was her compassion. She recognized that, without my family there at night, I felt especially isolated. On many occasions, she would sit with me for a few minutes longer just to talk—whether it was about my treatment, my cases from work, how I was feeling, or even just everyday things to take my mind off being in the hospital.
Clinical Expertise:
Nazonn’s clinical expertise was evident in everything she did. From managing my treatments to educating me about what to expect, she demonstrated a deep understanding of oncology care. There were times when I was anxious about the side effects of the medications, but Nazonn was there to explain things clearly and reassure me with her knowledge. Her attention to detail and her skill in administering my care gave me great confidence that I was in expert hands.
Team Collaboration:
Even though Nazonn worked the night shift, she seamlessly coordinated with the day staff to ensure my care was consistent and smooth. Every morning, the day nurses were always well-informed about what had transpired overnight, and I knew that was because of Nazonn’s thorough communication. She worked closely with my doctors and other nurses to make sure I received the best care possible, and I could see how much they respected her input.
Patient Advocacy:
Nazonn always put my needs first. There was one night when I was feeling uneasy about a new treatment plan. She not only took the time to explain the details to me but also advocated on my behalf to the medical team to ensure that my concerns were addressed.
Professionalism:
Throughout my entire stay, Nazonn maintained a level of professionalism that was second to none. Despite the challenges of working the night shift, she was always calm, focused, and committed to providing the best care. Her dedication to her work never wavered, and she treated every aspect of her job with respect and integrity. Even in the quiet of the night, when things could have easily gone unnoticed, Nazonn always upheld the highest standards of care.
In conclusion, Nazonn Fernandez, RN, is an extraordinary nurse who went above and beyond to care for me during a very difficult and vulnerable time in my life. Despite the challenges of working the night shift, she was my constant support, offering both outstanding medical care and genuine compassion. I wholeheartedly believe she deserves the DAISY Award for the profound impact she had on me.