“As a nursing instructor, I have had clinical groups on 3 South for the last several semesters. Each semester, I am grateful and impressed by the amazing staff on 3 South! Every nurse has treated my students and their patients with respect and compassion. One nurse in particular has made a huge impression on my student, and on me. That nurse is Ciarra hill.

Ciarra’s positive attitude contributes to a great staff vibe and work environment, a testament to the awesomeness of all the staff, which naturally leads to excellent teamwork. Not just on one isolated day, but consistently, I have observed her empathy for her patients and for our nursing students and her natural communication style that puts patients and students at ease.

Her high-level knowledge and skill performance with attention to patient safety has served as a fantastic exampoole to student nurses just beginning to learn how to provide safe and effective care, and she has been consistently willing to take the time to teach students all the things, even in the midst of her busiest days.

Last week, I was especially moved by the praise Ciarra received in two different student’s journal entries about their day. Their words were especially significant to me since it had been an extremely busy and somewhat stressful day for all the staff; yet, Ciarra did not allow that to keep her from treating the patients and students with compassion. It would have been very justifiable for her to have asked the students to just watch and learn, while she worked to keep all the plates spinning.

Instead, she continued to welcome them and pour into them with purpose as she worked. I would like to share those student’ journal entries here as a testament to some of the impact Ciarra has made: “I also want to take a second to praise Nurse Ciarra because every time I saw her interact with a patient, she was kind and patient. She took her time answering questions, laughing with them, and wasn’t just all business.

It really stood out to me because, based on past experiences, I think there are some nurses who focus mainly on the technical parts of the job, like passing meds, taking vitals, and don’t always take the time to truly connect with their patients. Sometimes, I think nurses forget that we chose this profession and chose to work in a hospital, but most patients did not choose to be there. They’re in a place where they’re getting pricked, prodded, and constantly told what they can and cannot do.

Ciarra was such a great example of how you can still be quick, efficient, and precise while also being kind and compassionate. Throughout the shift, I also asked her questions and she never made me feel like I was stupid or getting in the way. That meant a lot to me because one of my biggest fears going into clinicals was being treated like a burden. I’ve seen so much online about nurses or hospital staff not enjoying having students around, so it was really encouraging to feel supported and respected by them.” 
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“Also, shoutout to Ciarra, the nurse I’ve been assigned these past two weeks! As a nursing student, you always hear stories about nurses in the hospital being intimidating or unapproachable, but Ciarra has been the exact opposite. She’s been kind, supportive, and always takes the time to include me. She allows me into patient rooms, lets me observe, and explains what she’s doing and saying. She also engages in conversation with me and makes me feel important as a student nurse. I know she makes my classmates feel the same way. Her attitude and encouragement have made a huge difference in my clinical experience at Flowers.”
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“Thank you, Ciarra, for being so passionate about building into the next generation of nurses. It is clear that you love your patients’ coworkers, and our profession We are very grateful for the work you do!”