Learn more about these exceptional City of Hope nurses below, and then share a thank you for all nurses on social media!
Melanie Sanchez
Department: ICU Nursing Experience: 9 years Time at City of Hope: 14 years
Why did you choose to work at City of Hope?
I originally started out at City of Hope while volunteering in college, thinking I wanted to be a pediatric physician. But as a volunteer, I noticed that physicians were not the ones at the bedside all day. It was the nurses that stood at the bedside and could make the biggest impact on the patient’s daily well-being as they would be the first ones to notice if something was wrong.
What is your favorite thing about being a nurse?
I love that every day is a new day and you never know what you are going to walk into. I feel as nurses we have the ability to make such a huge impact on the lives of patients and their families. Although it can be tough emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually, it is also the richest gift I receive knowing that I did something good today in giving a smile, taking an extra minute to hold a patient’s hand and listen to them, or catch an acute process going on and prevent that patient from being transferred to ICU.
Piyawan Tangseveepan
Department: Day Hospital Nursing Experience: 16 years Time at City of Hope: 11 years
What is your favorite thing about your job?
My favorite thing about my job is when I get to help my patient feel better even for just that one day, one moment — making them laugh or smile when I start my shift or end my shift. When working a night shift, I would make sure my patient had a comfortable night going to sleep and wake up with a smile or laugh so they can conquer the next day. If you wake up with a smile or laugh, how bad can your day be?
Is there something in particular that motivates you while you are doing your job?
To make my patients feel better physically and psychologically and inspire them like they do for me every day. A “thank you” and appreciation from a patient is all I need for my motivation and satisfaction to keep going each working day.
Hannah Komai
Department: Pediatric Oncology Nursing Experience: 2 years Time at City of Hope: 4 years
What are some of the qualities you admire most in your colleagues?
I admire our veteran nurses. Working in pediatric oncology is not an easy task — the bad days are some of the hardest you'll ever face, but the good days make up for it all. To be able to continue to invest in yourself year after year is absolutely incredible. The veteran nurses on 3 West go out of their way to guide and teach the newer nurses and share their knowledge and expertise.
Do you have a message you would like to share with your colleagues for Nurses Week?
Thank you for showing up every day, no matter what is happening in your outside life, and giving yourself to the patients at City of Hope. You are the face that the patients remember, and the ones that make the lasting impressions. And don't forget, you never know which patients you are inspiring to be future nurses at City of Hope!
Kathy Manuel
Department: Urology Nursing Experience: 35 years Time at City of Hope: 12 years
What inspired you to pursue nursing?
My mother became very sick when I was about 8 years old. She spent a lot of time in and out of hospitals over the next 25 years before she passed away. She was the one who first nudged me in the direction of nursing.
Is there something in particular that motivates you while you are doing your job?
Having been a nurse coordinator for almost four years I have seen how valuable this role is to the patients and their families. Being a direct point of contact offers them the much needed support and advocacy that they require through their cancer journey. I am also fortunate to be part of the urology team. This is a very cohesive and collaborative group and that makes each workday enjoyable.
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