Bona Yang, RN Med/Surg, Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center Santa Rosa, California

Bona was nominated by an appreciative patient:

"Because of Bona's compassion and knowledge, Bona made my two month stay at Kaiser a comfortable experience.

I was diagnosed with leukemia and spent two months at Kaiser. First let me explain I am 39 years old and have never been sick before, so everything was a new experience for me.

I think people just don't realize how the small things that the nurses do really makes a difference to the patient. I knew when Bona was taking care of me it was more than a job to her. I was so thankful for Bona's patience. She would continually explain all my new medications to me. When sick with effects of chemo treatments, Bona would often come in and give me a back massage, even on her breaks she would stop in and give me a back massage just to make me feel a little better.

During the time I was having continual fevers, Bona never hesitated to call the doctor day or night with concerns, questions or suggestions. On the days Bona was unable to be my nurse, Bona would poke her head in my door to check on me, or stand by the door window just for a quick wave or smile.

I have never been a person that likes to take pills, but it was Bona who finally convinced me to take pain medication. Bona would continually tell me that your body cannot get better while it is in pain. After a few weeks, I let Bona start giving me what she thought would help.

Again, I thank Bona for her patience and persistence. I know believe it did help me get through the chemo treatments with less discomfort."