August 2026 Honoree
Mckenna Bonner, RN
I was admitted to the ER around 4 am on a Monday pain (the worst I've ever felt) and terrified of whatever was happening to me. It started as upper abdominal cramping, which eventually migrated to chest and upper back pain. When McKenna entered my room, her calm and positive yet focused demeanor instantly made me feel better. She made me feel valid and heard as she actively listened to my experience.
As the pain started to subside, I was concerned that maybe I "overreacted" and was wasting ER resources and her time. She reassured me that what I'm experiencing is exactly why the ER exists and that it is better for me to come in and get checked, then to try to ride it out. Women often get overlooked when receiving care, and consistently hear "you need to lose weight" or you're just "hormonal" and I hope McKenna and the ER doctor understand just how impactful their genuine care was to me.
Even though her shift was coming to an end, you'd have no idea. McKenna was consistently upbeat, ensured I was comfortable (those heated blankets are a game changer when you have a fan directly over your bed), and even when I was vomiting so loudly I'm pretty sure my family in Colorado could hear me, and saying I'm so sorry repeatedly, she stayed personable and kind while administering my meds and chatting with me and my partner.
McKenna kept me informed of what was going on and helped me understand possible next steps. When there was potential for me to be admitted to have my gallbladder removed, I was a little freaked out, to say the least. She explained to me what the procedure would be like, how she had hers removed, and ultimately I wasn't nearly as worried as I was by the end of it all. McKenna is an exemplary nurse. Her knowledge and attitude exactly what patients need in their worst moments and I was so lucky to have her in my time of need. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
As the pain started to subside, I was concerned that maybe I "overreacted" and was wasting ER resources and her time. She reassured me that what I'm experiencing is exactly why the ER exists and that it is better for me to come in and get checked, then to try to ride it out. Women often get overlooked when receiving care, and consistently hear "you need to lose weight" or you're just "hormonal" and I hope McKenna and the ER doctor understand just how impactful their genuine care was to me.
Even though her shift was coming to an end, you'd have no idea. McKenna was consistently upbeat, ensured I was comfortable (those heated blankets are a game changer when you have a fan directly over your bed), and even when I was vomiting so loudly I'm pretty sure my family in Colorado could hear me, and saying I'm so sorry repeatedly, she stayed personable and kind while administering my meds and chatting with me and my partner.
McKenna kept me informed of what was going on and helped me understand possible next steps. When there was potential for me to be admitted to have my gallbladder removed, I was a little freaked out, to say the least. She explained to me what the procedure would be like, how she had hers removed, and ultimately I wasn't nearly as worried as I was by the end of it all. McKenna is an exemplary nurse. Her knowledge and attitude exactly what patients need in their worst moments and I was so lucky to have her in my time of need. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you, Mckenna, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
View More Honorees