Brandon Joachim
July 2025
Brandon
Joachim
,
BSN, RN, OCN
Memorial 19
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York
,
NY
United States

 

 

 

Brandon goes beyond providing excellent care; he genuinely connects with those he serves.
Brandon consistently exemplifies Relationship-Based Care (RBC) and the mission, vision, and values of the Department of Nursing through his exceptional ability to build strong, empathetic relationships with both patients and their families.

As someone who oversees the Caring Hearts nominations for our unit, I see firsthand the profound impact Brandon has on many patients. He is frequently recognized for his warmth, empathy, and personal touch.

A clear example of his empathy is reflected in a patient’s letter:

“The best part about Brandon is that he always has a smile on his face; he exudes warmth and just makes you want to smile.”

His calm and reassuring demeanor was especially evident when he helped a patient through a stressful moment. As noted by the patient’s family:

“He remained calm, and I think it made him feel like he had a big brother close by.”

Brandon goes beyond providing excellent care; he genuinely connects with those he serves. Another recurring theme in patient feedback is his dedication to checking in on patients he previously cared for. On multiple occasions, even when he was scheduled to attend nursing classes or meetings, he went out of his way to stop by the unit just to check on how those patients were doing. This extra effort, even when it wasn’t part of his assigned duties, speaks volumes about his commitment to ongoing well-being and his deep compassion.

Additionally, Brandon takes the time to learn about the cultures of the patients he serves. He has made efforts to learn simple greetings in different languages so he can communicate more effectively, showing genuine respect for their backgrounds and enhancing the care they receive.

Brandon’s clinical expertise is complemented by his compassion, which shines through in every patient interaction. A patient’s feedback perfectly illustrates his ability to balance professionalism with approachability:

“Brandon was so friendly while also getting everything done. He made the day fun and came back to check on me even when I was not his patient, which was very nice.”

This highlights Brandon’s ability to build relationships with patients, even those not assigned to his care, ensuring they feel seen and valued. His friendly demeanor and dedication to patient well-being are central to the high level of care he consistently provides.

Another notable example of his clinical excellence comes from a family who praised him for his support during a challenging discharge process:

“Brandon has gone above and beyond to care for N and our family during our preparation for discharge. He kept us calm during erratic blood sugar episodes and provided incredible insulin education.”

His ability to explain complex medical information in a clear, compassionate manner not only helped restore the family’s confidence but also empowered them to take control of N’s care.

Brandon is also proactive in his patient care. Even when not directly assigned to a patient, he takes time to check on their progress, offering support and reassurance. His patients and their families consistently express appreciation for his knowledge and confidence, reflecting his unwavering dedication to providing the best possible care.

Beyond his exceptional patient care, Brandon contributes immensely to a professional and healthy work environment by setting a positive example for his colleagues. He fosters a collaborative atmosphere through his professionalism and willingness to help others, regardless of whether it falls within his direct responsibilities.

From my personal experience, Brandon inspires and motivates those around him. His attitude is contagious, and he has often been the driving force behind my own desire to improve and perform better in my role. He’s a true leader, not just by title, but through his actions.

Whenever challenges arise on the unit, Brandon is often the first to volunteer his help, whether it’s assisting with a patient or offering support during a busy shift. He actively participates in team discussions, always contributing constructively and with a collaborative mindset. His ability to remain calm and professional, even in high-pressure situations, helps create a positive atmosphere for both staff and patients alike.

When patient needs arise, especially when nurses or PCTs are overwhelmed, Brandon can always be counted on to step in and assist, ensuring that patients receive the best care possible. This reliability is a cornerstone of his professionalism.

Whether it’s providing direct patient care or offering assistance with tasks outside his assigned duties, Brandon’s collaboration with colleagues ensures that everyone on the team feels supported and that the work environment remains positive and productive. His dedication to teamwork is evident in every interaction, and his colleagues, including myself, feel confident knowing that his leadership and support are always available.

Brandon’s consistent professionalism, compassion, and teamwork make him an invaluable asset to our unit, contributing significantly to a healthy, collaborative, and patient-centered environment.