Anne
Raines
October 2025
Anne
Raines
,
MSN, RN, CPHON
Dell Children's Medical Center
Austin
,
TX
United States

 

 

 

In every aspect of her role, Anne exemplifies what it means to be both an outstanding educator and a compassionate mentor.

As the nurse educator and transplant coordinator that fosters deep connections and creates a safe and for CBCC, Anne shines because of the way she blends knowledge with genuine compassion. She listens to understand, validates feelings, and creates a safe space where patients, families, and colleagues feel supported. Whether she's explaining complex treatments or encouraging a new nurse with kindness, her manner is open and welcoming. What makes Anne special is how she creates a safe environment where everyone feels respected. She encourages open conversations and treats every interaction as an opportunity to connect. Her mix of knowledge and kindness doesn't just educate, it inspires trust and comfort.

Anne's communication skills truly build confidence in those around her. She listens closely, making people feel understood, and offers feedback in a way that encourages growth rather than discouragement. Whether she's leading a chemotherapy class or guiding families through the transplant process, she presents information clearly and simply, breaking down complex topics so they feel manageable. Her approachable style not only makes learning easier, it gives both nurses and families the confidence to move forward with clarity and trust.

Anne is a true role model for her colleagues. She leads by example, showing professionalism, empathy, and dedication in every aspect of her work. By modeling these qualities, she sets the standard for others to follow. Her commitment to professional growth is evident through her ongoing attainment of continuing education hours, as well as being a master's-prepared RN. Anne shares her expertise widely and serves as a trusted resource for the entire children's hospital, particularly in areas such as safe handling of chemotherapy and biotherapy, implanted port access, and her growing knowledge in transplant-related care.

As a mentor, Anne encourages nurses to step outside their comfort zones, ask questions, and take on new challenges. She provides steady guidance and constructive feedback, helping others recognize their strengths and build confidence. By nurturing leadership qualities in those around her and modeling her own commitment to lifelong learning, Anne fosters a culture of ongoing professional development that empowers others to grow and thrive. Her influence raises the bar for excellence across the hem/onc service line and inspires many to pursue advanced education, delve into research topics, and explore professional growth through participation in local and national conferences and publication endeavors.

Anne shows remarkable adaptability in how she meets the needs of each individual learner. She recognizes that no two people, whether they are patients, families, or nurses, absorb information in the same way. By adjusting her teaching style to fit the learner, she ensures that everyone feels supported and capable of understanding even the most complex information.

This adaptability is especially evident in the building of a stem cell program. Currently, Anne is guiding three different families who are each in different phases of the transplant journey. She tailored her education to meet each family's unique needs, pacing the information appropriately, clarifying medical details in plain language, and revisiting topics as often as necessary. She balanced clinical accuracy with compassion, ensuring that each family felt informed without being overwhelmed.

For her colleagues, Anne demonstrates the same flexibility by adjusting the depth and style of her teaching depending on whether she is mentoring a novice nurse in port access, training a seasoned colleague to a new process such as stem cell collection, or presenting to a large group. Her ability to pivot between different learners and situations not only reflects her skill as an educator but also reinforces her commitment to patient and family centered care.

Anne consistently demonstrates the power of collaboration in building relationships that lead to positive outcomes for learners, patients, and families. She invests in the growth of her colleagues by mentoring CBCC RNs through the process of creating and submitting abstracts for the national APHON conference. In doing so, she not only shares her own expertise but also builds confidence in others, encouraging them to engage in professional scholarship and elevate their voices on a national stage.

Her collaborative spirit extends beyond her own unit. Anne actively participates in discussions across TXAUS, where she works alongside other oncology professionals to identify best practices, address challenges related to oncology-specific supplies, and ensure alignment with the highest standards of care. By fostering these partnerships, she strengthens continuity, consistency, and innovation in care delivery.

Through her mentorship and her network-wide collaborations, Anne models the importance of teamwork and shared knowledge. These efforts directly benefit patients and families by promoting safe, evidence-based care, while also cultivating a culture of professional growth and excellence among the nurses she supports.

In every aspect of her role, Anne exemplifies what it means to be both an outstanding educator and a compassionate mentor. She leads with empathy, creating safe and supportive spaces for patients, families, and colleagues alike. Her communication is clear, concise, and encouraging, building confidence in those she teaches and supports. Her commitment to lifelong learning, evidenced by her master's preparation, ongoing continuing education, and leadership as a local APHON officer, sets a powerful example for others to follow. Through mentorship, she nurtures leadership qualities in others, guiding colleagues in professional scholarship and collaboration. 

Anne's blend of knowledge, compassion, professionalism, and collaborative spirit not only strengthens her team but also elevates the standard of care for patients and families. She inspires those around her to grow, to lead, and to continually strive for excellence, leaving a lasting impact on her colleagues, her patients, and the future of pediatric oncology nursing.