I have been fortunate to have Sarah Carter as my preceptor during my orientation as a new graduate nurse in community hospice. Over the past few months, she has not only helped me build a foundation as a nurse but also demonstrated what clinical excellence, compassionate, patient-centered care, and proactive leadership look like on a daily basis.

Sarah goes above and beyond to put her patients first. She works to build trusting relationships with each patient and their family from the start, and at every visit, it’s evident that she is loved and respected by those she cares for. She approaches difficult conversations with compassion and navigates challenging situations by seeking to listen and understand all viewpoints. Everyone who interacts with her—whether it is a patient, a family member, or a staff member at a facility—is made to feel valued and heard.

Sarah is also an expert problem solver. Patients receiving hospice care are at an emotional and often uncertain time in their lives, and inevitably, a range of questions and needs arise on an almost constant basis. Sarah never fails to offer solutions to these questions, and she has a deep knowledge of all aspects of hospice care, from symptom management and medications to maintaining patient comfort and providing education. She is also not afraid to ask questions and seek guidance when she needs it, and has impressed upon me that nursing is a career that requires continued curiosity and learning.

Beyond providing excellent care and building trusting relationships with the patients and families she serves, Sarah has been an incredible mentor to me. She is an ideal role model and teacher as I begin my nursing career. Each day, she encourages me to build my patient care skills and clinical judgment. She frequently asks for my input and has been integral in helping me grow in confidence in my role as a nurse. I am confident that I will have a long and meaningful nursing career thanks to Sarah’s support and mentorship.