As a new graduate nurse, I felt overwhelmed and unsure until I met Gail, our clinical nurse educator, who immediately became our safe space. She created a welcoming, supportive environment where I felt seen, heard, and valued. Gail truly exemplified HCA’s mission and values through her compassionate leadership and unwavering dedication to patient-centered care. She consistently prioritized our mental well-being, regularly checking in and normalizing the emotional ups and downs of transitioning into practice. No matter the time or situation, Gail was always reachable. She offered guidance, reassurance, or simply a listening ear. During orientation, she went far beyond teaching protocols; she encouraged self-reflection, promoted critical thinking, and helped me bridge textbook knowledge to real-life scenarios, like confidently caring for a complex post-op patient. Gail modeled collaboration across disciplines and led change with openness and empathy. Her steady, personal mentorship shaped not only my clinical skills but my confidence and growth. Because of her profound impact, I have been inspired to pursue graduate studies and one day become a nursing educator, hoping to be the kind of mentor she was for me.​