Yahshalva Thomas-Facen
January 2026
Yahshalva
Thomas-Facen
,
MSN(c), RN
BURN
Grady Health System: Grady Memorial Hospital
Atlanta
,
GA
United States
She ensured that both J and I clearly understood what would take place during her shift and what progress she hoped to achieve, never rushing and never overlooking the importance of communication.
I am writing to formally nominate Nurse YahYah for extraordinary recognition for her exceptional care, professionalism, and compassion while my fiancé, James, has been hospitalized on Unit 5, the Burn Unit, at Grady Hospital in Atlanta. By the time we met Nurse YahYah, we had already been in the hospital for over a month. During that time, we encountered many excellent professionals—from doctors and nurses to aides, dietary staff, and environmental services. Every member of the care team played an important role, and we were grateful. However, when Nurse YahYah joined our care team, the level of care rose to an entirely different standard. From her very first interaction, Nurse YahYah stood out. Her presence alone brought reassurance, confidence, and calm during an extremely challenging season.
Being on a burn unit is difficult not only for the patient but also for the family walking alongside them. I have been present every single day and every night, often staying overnight with my fiancé, which allowed me to consistently observe the care being provided. What makes this nomination especially meaningful is that we are still here at Grady Hospital as I write this. We are still in the healing process, and I did not want to wait until discharge to share our experience. I felt deeply compelled to acknowledge Nurse YahYah’s extraordinary impact in real time, while we are still receiving care. Throughout our hospitalization—and now entering our second month—I have seen a wide range of medical professionals involved in J’s history, treatment, and recovery. Nurse YahYah’s care consistently stood out.
What made her extraordinary was not just what she did, but how she did it. She was exceptionally detailed and intentional in explaining daily goals, next steps, and expectations—covering everything from pain management and mobility to diabetes care, nutrition, and overall treatment plans. She ensured that both J and I clearly understood what would take place during her shift and what progress she hoped to achieve, never rushing and never overlooking the importance of communication. Nurse YahYah was attentive and genuinely invested in James’s comfort and well-being. She carefully monitored his pain level, ensured he was not left in agony, and consistently checked on him as she moved in and out of the room. While we fully understand that these responsibilities are part of her role, her approach went far beyond routine care. My fiancé and I affectionately—and very sincerely—began referring to her as the “Chick-fil-A All-Star Nurse of Grady.” Not because of how much she did, but because of how she did it.
Through her actions, she communicated: “It’s my pleasure to make sure you’re comfortable. It’s my pleasure to manage your pain. It’s my pleasure to ensure your diabetic care is handled correctly. It’s my pleasure to make sure you are eating, healing, and progressing. It’s my pleasure to ensure that every treatment and procedure moves you toward wellness. Her professionalism, excellence, and bedside manner exceeded anything I have previously experienced. I am 57 years old and have personally undergone several hospitalizations in my lifetime, including a C-section and a double mastectomy, across multiple hospitals. Although I was not the patient in this situation, being present day and night with my fiancé has made this hospitalization—because of nurses like YahYah—the best overall care experience I have ever encountered. Her compassion extended beyond clinical excellence. Nurse YahYah brought joy, warmth, and laughter into the room. Spiritually speaking, laughter is truly medicine for the soul, and she consistently delivered that gift. Her sense of humor and positive energy uplifted us daily and brought light into an otherwise heavy season.
If Grady Hospital employs nurses like YahYah, it reassures me that patients who walk through those doors are not only receiving excellent medical care, but also the extra care that provides reassurance, dignity, and hope. Grady absolutely got it right with Nurse YahYah on Unit 5. I hope this nomination conveys even a portion of the gratitude, respect, and admiration that J and I hold for her. She has made a lasting impact on our lives during one of our most difficult seasons, and for that, we are profoundly thankful. With sincere appreciation and gratitude.
Being on a burn unit is difficult not only for the patient but also for the family walking alongside them. I have been present every single day and every night, often staying overnight with my fiancé, which allowed me to consistently observe the care being provided. What makes this nomination especially meaningful is that we are still here at Grady Hospital as I write this. We are still in the healing process, and I did not want to wait until discharge to share our experience. I felt deeply compelled to acknowledge Nurse YahYah’s extraordinary impact in real time, while we are still receiving care. Throughout our hospitalization—and now entering our second month—I have seen a wide range of medical professionals involved in J’s history, treatment, and recovery. Nurse YahYah’s care consistently stood out.
What made her extraordinary was not just what she did, but how she did it. She was exceptionally detailed and intentional in explaining daily goals, next steps, and expectations—covering everything from pain management and mobility to diabetes care, nutrition, and overall treatment plans. She ensured that both J and I clearly understood what would take place during her shift and what progress she hoped to achieve, never rushing and never overlooking the importance of communication. Nurse YahYah was attentive and genuinely invested in James’s comfort and well-being. She carefully monitored his pain level, ensured he was not left in agony, and consistently checked on him as she moved in and out of the room. While we fully understand that these responsibilities are part of her role, her approach went far beyond routine care. My fiancé and I affectionately—and very sincerely—began referring to her as the “Chick-fil-A All-Star Nurse of Grady.” Not because of how much she did, but because of how she did it.
Through her actions, she communicated: “It’s my pleasure to make sure you’re comfortable. It’s my pleasure to manage your pain. It’s my pleasure to ensure your diabetic care is handled correctly. It’s my pleasure to make sure you are eating, healing, and progressing. It’s my pleasure to ensure that every treatment and procedure moves you toward wellness. Her professionalism, excellence, and bedside manner exceeded anything I have previously experienced. I am 57 years old and have personally undergone several hospitalizations in my lifetime, including a C-section and a double mastectomy, across multiple hospitals. Although I was not the patient in this situation, being present day and night with my fiancé has made this hospitalization—because of nurses like YahYah—the best overall care experience I have ever encountered. Her compassion extended beyond clinical excellence. Nurse YahYah brought joy, warmth, and laughter into the room. Spiritually speaking, laughter is truly medicine for the soul, and she consistently delivered that gift. Her sense of humor and positive energy uplifted us daily and brought light into an otherwise heavy season.
If Grady Hospital employs nurses like YahYah, it reassures me that patients who walk through those doors are not only receiving excellent medical care, but also the extra care that provides reassurance, dignity, and hope. Grady absolutely got it right with Nurse YahYah on Unit 5. I hope this nomination conveys even a portion of the gratitude, respect, and admiration that J and I hold for her. She has made a lasting impact on our lives during one of our most difficult seasons, and for that, we are profoundly thankful. With sincere appreciation and gratitude.