Honorees and Nominees - Winter 2023

Heather Broughton, RN
7A Surgical, Trauma, Transplant, and Neuroscience ICU

Life in the ICU can be tragic and emotionally draining. Our nurses work, day in and day out, providing excellent care – striving to preserve life and ensure good outcomes for our patients.

Sometimes this is not possible… that is when compassion kicks in.

In April of this year a patient in her mid-forties was transferred to Loma Linda University Health for higher level of care. She had a long history of cancer with metastasis. On this occasion, she had perforated her bowel and was in septic shock. She required emergency surgery and the removal of most of her bowel secondary to ischemia. Her prognosis was grim.

Two days after surgery, she had improved enough to speak on her own. The Surgical Care Team spoke in detail to her and her fiancé about her condition and future care. If and/or when she recovered enough, she was to go home on hospice.

At Loma Linda University Health, we pride ourselves on having kind, compassionate and caring nurses. Nurses that provide physical care as well as spiritual and emotional care – to the whole person.

Nurse Heather exudes compassion for her patients and always goes above and beyond to provide every aspect of their care needed.

Our patient confided in Heather; “she knew she would not survive this illness…her only wish was not to pass on as a single woman.” She had been with her fiancé for years; they had children together but had never married.

Once Heather has an idea or plan, there is no stopping her. She told everyone “We are having a wedding.” Heather coordinated the entire event. With help from our Social Worker, she assisted the fiancé in obtaining a marriage license and arranged to have it notarized at bedside. Chaplain Services were set up and the wedding was booked. Heather did not stop there… the couple needed rings. She donated her silicone ring to the bride and found a male nurse who donated his silicone ring to the groom. Not done yet… a wedding is not complete without flowers. Heather had me, 7A Secretary, make a paper flower bouquet and act as flower girl. The wedding service was conducted at bedside and witnessed by the patient’s aunt and uncle.

Wishes do come true. 

~ Staff Member

Hina Ahmed, RN
11A Medical/Cardiac Care

Being in the hospital is never a fun thing and my family and I have had more than our share of time in the hospital. Unfortunately, my dad has bad lungs and required a transplant in order to live. We had many occasions where we thought he would be getting a lung transplant and would run to the hospital, only to be disappointed. It was also hard because we would be scared to leave my dad alone in the hospital since he did not really speak up for himself. On one of our recent visits to the hospital, my dad and my family were extremely blessed not to meet only one nice caring person but two nice caring people that put my dad totally at ease. Dr. Farchadi and Nurse Hina were such a great team, and we still have not come across another team like them. I will never forget the day my dad first had them as his doctor and nurse. He was so excited and could not stop smiling. He said that for days, he would always feel so scared of becoming short of breath because he would ring the call light, and no one would come in for what seemed like hours. He also had started to feel like he had become an annoyance to everyone else in the hospital. But he said Hina would always come in as soon as he rang the call light and would stay with him until his oxygen had gotten back to normal levels. She never let him wait. This might seem like a small thing but to him and to us, it was everything. My dad also enjoyed how Hina would make time for him every day to talk to him even though she had other patients. My dad mentioned to Dr. Farchadi how he was depressed because he had not seen his grandkids in a while because they were young. Dr. Farchadi told Hina about it who made it her mission to get the approvals so that my dad could see his grandkids. We told Hina that it was okay, and we understood the policy, but she still did not stop until she had gotten him a chance to see the grandkids. This meant so much to us because when we had asked others, they would just say that the visiting policy did not allow it and because of that it was a no. I will never forget how much he lit up when he got to see the grandkids after being in the hospital for over three weeks. There were two other times when Hina made it possible for my dad to go out for five minutes and get fresh air even though he was still on oxygen. One other time, my mom did not want to leave my dad’s bedside, Dr. Farchadi and Hina brought food to her. Hina also was the only nurse that would always make small talk with us in addition to my dad. She always remembered that my mom liked chamomile tea and would bring it to her throughout the day, without her even asking Hina. I wish there were more people like them in the world. They worked so well together to make sure that my dad was well taken care of. We will never forget the two of them, but we especially wanted to make sure that Hina was recognized for her going above and beyond for my dad. Her compassion for her patients and always having a smile and patience for us is something that we will never forget. Thank you Hina for making our dad your priority and treating him like a human being.

~  Patient’s family member

Jonelle Quintanilla, RN
Pediatric Emergency Department

Jonelle came in and took care of my grandson. It was a busy Friday. He came up to us to let us know he was taking over and if there was anything he could get us while we waited. I observed and he made his way and asked the same thing of each of the patients he was taking over. He handled my grandson and his other patients nearby with a level of compassion, he served with a sense of urgency, the level of integrity with his work was head and shoulders above the rest working that night. Respectful, kind, compassionate and confident!

I work for a hospital and thought he is what we need. I complimented him on his work ethics and told him he was doing a wonderful job. I asked if he would be interested in joining the hospital where I worked, He said kindly, “I’m very happy here at my place of employment” and he thanked me. I realized his answer came from his heart. He is truly happy, and it showed in his care. He works unto the Lord and the work of his hands are blessed. Thank you, Jonelle Quintanilla, for your excellent care of my precious grandson.

~ Patient’s family member

Cheryl Cleveland, RN
Maternity Services

Cheryl did an excellent job in her care for my daughter. She was very attentive throughout her labor. When it came down to delivery, my daughter unexpectedly delivered the baby and Cheryl had to deliver the baby before the doctor arrived. She was so calm, collected, encouraging. She politely smiled the entire time. We appreciated her so much and feel so blessed to have had her as a nurse. When it was all done, she was kind enough to hug my daughter and bless her. Her level of care and professionalism models exactly what Loma Linda University Health stands for and reflects their mission, vision, and values, “To make man whole”, and she reflects the love of God with respect, mercy, and empathy. Thank you, Cheryl, for your excellent care and service!

~ Patient’s family member

Claire Jan Benito, RN
IP Psych Adult and Senior

I would like to nominate Claire for the DAISY Award because she exemplifies what it means to be a great nurse who goes above and beyond her job duties and responsibilities. I have worked often with Claire, and I have noticed time and time again that she really cares for our psychiatric patients but in particular has a special spot for our geriatric psychiatric patients.

Many times, I have received reports from my coworkers to hear that, unfortunately, many of our geriatric patients are unable to participate in their ADLs and hygiene care. Although it is not the role of the RN to clean the patients, Claire makes it a top priority to ensure that her patients and other patients on the unit are able to take a shower. I appreciate Claire for helping me when she doesn't have to do it. Claire makes me feel safe and comfortable providing care for our patients. Even if Claire has charting or other nursing tasks or duties to do, if she told a patient, "I promised to give you a shower," she will fulfill her promise. There was one shift where Claire was assigned a full list of 5 or 6 patients. With that kind of patient load, Claire was busy assessing, medicating, charting, etc. There were a multitude of patients who wanted to bathe. Claire expressed her need and priority that the patients needed showers because they were malodorous and haven't showered in what felt like days. Claire had a busy day, but she reminded me and told me we need to bathe our patients. It didn't matter if she had charting to catch up on or whatever was on her plate, she really wanted her patients to be clean. Many of our geriatric patients require two patient assistants because of their size and underlying health conditions. I was pleasantly surprised that Claire never complained about turning a patient or helping transport them to the other unit where there is a bathroom accessible for our geriatric patients. We were able to shower all her patients and other patients noticed and they too wanted to take a shower. Claire did not complain or hesitate to help them. She did it out of the kindness of her heart and with a smile. She was more than willing to help me take care of the additional patients who requested a shower. We must have showered 6 or 7 patients that day!

Claire, I want to thank you for continuing to be a great nurse for your patients. You are always there to advocate for them. You treated our geriatric patients as if they were your own parents or your own grandparents. You have a compassionate heart. I am incredibly grateful and blessed to call you, my coworker. Thank you for all that you do.

~ Staff Member

Elaina Cavender, RN
Nurse Manager
15A Surgical/Trauma Care

I have worked at many different hospitals (at least 4) and when I say that management here is something else, I know what I’m speaking of. I have worked for managers who have run the gambit of personalities and traits: strict, friendly, independent, team players, micro-managers, etc. How a manager acts towards their staff can make or break a units’ teamwork and work ethic. When I first started back with Loma Linda, I wasn’t sure what to expect from my new manager; would she be kind, would she be friendly, would she listen to my concerns and feelings? I was hesitant to be myself or express my feelings after having dealt with some of my previous managers. However, I had nothing to worry about. Not only was Elaina welcoming, but she turned out to be fair, kind and caring. I feel like there is support from the top down and this in turn is passed down to those on the unit. I have never felt more comfortable on a unit and know that I am supported in every way. I was speaking to our Nurse Director Jennifer Blackey the other day and I expressed to her how truly lucky I felt to have landed on a unit that treats you like family and that has a strong positive leadership presence. I feel that management is available when I need them and that I see them out on the unit supporting the staff (not just saying that they are there for support but truly showing their support and willingness to help).

I used to dread going in to work because of the lack of support and feeling that no one was there to watch our backs or advocate for us. I go into work now with an open heart knowing that no matter what happens, my team is at my back, and we have an amazing leader to uphold us.

Her compassionate care of those who care for others is the reason why I am nominating Elaina Cavender for the DAISY award!

~ Staff Member

Melissa Van Hofwegen, RN
Critical Care ICU

I would like to Nominate Melissa Van Hofwegen from the Critical Care Department at Murrieta as a deserving recipient of the DAISY Award!

Missy raises the bar and has a true heart of gold! I have the pleasure of working with Missy for the last several years and I can confidently say she has never had an “off day”! She exudes happiness and positivity every moment here at work. She is a “game changer” and a valuable member of our organization. She is the definition of patient experience, prioritizes the growth of new nurses and student nurses as she is always eager to teach and share her knowledge with others. These things all come naturally to Missy because she is 100 % genuine. The “Missy Patient Experience” stories are countless because every single day she demonstrates wholeness and lives the patient experience. A few that come to mind are the days she would spend her lunch break visiting patients who were no longer in the ICU because she genuinely cared about them and enjoyed their family. Or she remembered it was a patient’s birthday and brought in stuff to decorate the patient’s room. She prides herself on how her patients look in the ICU; especially those during their final moments of life. The husband of the patient mentioned how beautiful his wife looked in braids…the next thing you knew she was braiding her patient’s hair!

Missy is an incredible patient advocate who provides the greatest of care to her patients. I specifically remember a newly trached/peg ALS patient who had a huge decline and change in lifestyle; she provided an incredible education, discharge teaching, resources for the family for all the things he will be needed. She spent her time researching support groups for ALS families and patients. She doesn’t miss a beat with anything! So much…that you will see her throughout the day “talking” to her apple watch setting reminders to reassess pain in 15 minutes, requests to order medications from pharmacy, or a reminder to call back a family member because she did not want to forget. The excellence in patient care she provides is exemplary. Her patients and families adore and speak so highly of her! Her message is always professional, thorough, and full of love. She takes time to listen and make a point to connect with every patient. She is never too busy to smile, give a hug, go the extra mile or even hold a hand.

~ Anonymous

Deborah Day, RN
1100 Acute Rehab

I would like to nominate Deborah Day, RN for the DAISY Award as recognition for going above and beyond for all of our Rehab patients here at East Campus and inspiring us all. Deborah is known for not only being an amazing nurse, but also for being an incredible artist. Deborah took the time and effort to apply for the Healing Hands Grant, in which she received art supplies for our Rehab Department. As a result of Deboarh's hard work and passion, patients can use art and painting as a form of therapy to enhance their healing journey. As part of the Healing Hands Grant, both Rehab departments were granted a display case, where patients’ artwork can be displayed. While patients are hard at work traveling from their rooms to the gym, they can see their artwork displayed in the hallway. When patients can see their artwork hanging in the hall, they feel inspired to keep going and that Loma Linda University cares about them and is proud of their accomplishments. Seeing patient artwork on the wall also inspires other patients and visitors. How proud the families of our patients must feel to see their loved one's artwork being displayed on our wall. Deborah even painted the most inspirational paining in the 1100 hallway that includes the hands of Jesus releasing butterflies from his palms. This painting not only inspires patients and visitors, but it also inspires staff and is an amazing reminder of the healing hands of Jesus. Deborah is currently hard at work designing a mural using patient artwork on the EC 1100 Rehab wall.

The talent, passion, and drive that Deborah has to not only take care of her patients as a bedside nurse but also to care enough to put in the extra time and effort to help patients use art as a creative outlet while they are going through one of the hardest times of their lives. Please consider Deborah for the DAISY award as she truly embodies what it means to live the LLU values and is a beautiful example of what it means to "Make Man Whole".

~ Fellow Nurse

Maureen Macatula, RN
Surgical Hospital Perianesthesia

I would like to nominate Maureen Macatula from the Surgical Hospital Perianesthesia Unit.

Maureen went above & beyond what was expected of her to show compassion & provide comfort to a very upset patient. The day before the patient's scheduled surgery, a nurse gave the patient her preop arrival time. The nurse then discovered that the patient was recently exposed to COVID. The preop nurse informed the surgeon & he decided that for the safety of the patient & our staff, the surgery should be rescheduled for a later date. The nurse tried calling the patient back to inform her, but she was unable to contact the patient. The preop nurse also left several messages on the patients' voicemail.

The next day, the patient came into the hospital to check-in for surgery. Guest services informed her she was not on the schedule. Guest services called the preop to inform them that the patient was extremely upset because she did not receive the messages & she had also completed a bowel prep for the surgery. Because the surgeon was in surgery & unable to speak with the patient, Maureen took it upon herself to take the time to personally go to the lobby & speak with the patient. Maureen apologized for the miscommunication & explained that even though she was not currently having COVID symptoms, her recent exposure is a safety issue for her and our staff. Maureen also offered to pray with the patient to help her find comfort & understanding for the need to reschedule her surgery. Maureen’s personal effort & prayer helped the patient accept the need to reschedule her surgery. I believe Maureen is the best choice to receive the DAISY Award because not only did she show this patient compassion, but she provides safe, quality, compassionate care to all her patients. Maureen also exemplifies our Loma Linda core values of Compassion, Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, Wholeness, Humility, & Justice.

~ Fellow Nurse