I am a practicum student and Van is my preceptor. I have followed Van for eight shifts now. I have watched how compassionate he is to every one of his patients. In school, I have followed many nurses. Van stands out to me as the best one. He does not hesitate to help his colleagues, assistants and Tech with care. He has been so warm and welcoming to me! 

I was very nervous going into my practicum because I had heard stories of nurses turning down students. Van embraced being a preceptor and has taught me so much. He is patient and an amazing teacher. He exemplifies fidelity and empathy. Even when he is feeling overwhelmed with work, he never makes me feel like a burden. 

There was one day when he had a stretch team of six patients, and we were working through three discharges together. He still gave me instruction on medication pass, allowed me to participate in discharge processes and education, instructed me on new procedures, and helped another nurse with one of her patients during a suspected emergency. I have had many nurses that I have followed during my time at school, I did not expect him to include me so much in a very busy day. However, he understood the importance of my education. 

In the nursing profession, I have learned that leadership is a crucial trait. Van shows leadership through every shift. He is someone other nurses come to for help, and I have never seen him turn them down. He has helped me prepare for when I become a nurse with his guidance and positive attitude. All his patients thank him for his amazing care that they have been receiving. 

I am nominating him because I truly believe that he deserves recognition for the outstanding job that he did in educating me, the amazing teamwork that he displays, and taking extraordinary care of his patients. His openness to educate myself and others is improving the profession of nursing in this hospital.