I am honored to nominate Avelino (Billy) Fernando for the DAISY Award, recognizing his exceptional dedication, compassion, and holistic approach to nursing care. Billy joined our 4NW Oncology Unit as a new nurse to the United States, bringing with him extensive experience in intermediate care from his previous work in Canada. His transition into our team has been seamless, and his impact has been profound. Billy exemplifies UCLA Health's mission to deliver leading-edge patient care, research, education, and community engagement, and our vision to heal humankind one patient at a time by improving health, alleviating suffering, and delivering acts of kindness. He does not just provide medical care. He heals with his presence. His kindness, energy, and empathy radiate through everything he does, leaving a lasting impression on both patients and colleagues.

Billy is one of the most selfless and compassionate nurses I have ever had the privilege to work with. He does not just perform his duties. He goes above and beyond, finding ways to make his patients feel seen, heard, and valued. He consistently takes time to talk with patients, easing their fears and making them feel cared for in every possible way. He is the kind of nurse who will stay late to comfort a patient, offer his hand to hold, or simply be present in their most vulnerable moments. His impact on his colleagues is just as profound. Billy is a natural leader and mentor. He is always the first to lend a helping hand, whether it is assisting a fellow nurse with a difficult IV insertion, offering guidance to new staff, or stepping up during emergencies. His extensive knowledge and willingness to teach make him a pillar of support for the entire unit. Even when the unit is short-staffed or facing challenges, Billy remains calm, composed, and supportive, ensuring that both his patients and coworkers feel reassured. His positive attitude and energy are truly contagious. Billy comes to work every day with a smile, laughter, and an uplifting spirit that makes even the toughest shifts feel lighter. He has a unique ability to turn difficult moments into opportunities for connection and comfort. Patients often say that when Billy walks into the room, they feel instantly at ease as if they are in the care of someone who truly understands their struggles and is there to support them unconditionally.

One of the most moving examples of his compassionate care happened recently. One evening, a patient in an outpatient clinical trial was admitted due to complications and was devastated to learn that their disease had progressed. As charge nurse, Billy immediately recognized the emotional weight of this news. Without hesitation, he took the time with U chair, sat beside the patient, and held their hand for 15 minutes, simply listening and providing comfort. He gently placed his hand on the patient's shoulder, where they were experiencing new pain, and offered them a warm, reassuring hug. The patient, who had been anxious and distressed, was left feeling calm, supported, and even hopeful, so much so that they were able to rest peacefully that night.

This is just one of countless moments that define Billy’s extraordinary care. I have personally witnessed him sing to a patient to soothe their fears, advocate fiercely for those in need, and step up in ways that extend far beyond his job description. He is not only a nurse. He is a source of strength, a healer, and a light in the lives of so many people. Billy embodies the very essence of what the DAISY Award stands for. His unwavering dedication, genuine compassion, and ability to create meaningful, healing connections make him a truly exceptional nurse. Recognizing Billy with this award would not only honor his incredible work but also serve as a testament to the extraordinary impact he has on his patients, his colleagues, and UCLA Health as a whole.