Santina Wilson, BSN, RN, PCCN, was drawn to nursing from a very young age.

“I believed in the power of compassion, in the strength of human connection and in the ability to make a difference in someone’s life,” said Wilson, who has now been a nurse for 21 years. “I was able to witness how nurses could make a difference in the lives of patients, and I realized then that nursing was more than just a profession. It was a calling.”

Her colleagues attest to the difference Wilson makes in caring for her patients, families and team on Shapiro 8, Cardiovascular Care.

“Santina is known for her humility and profound empathy,” wrote Susan Williams, DNP, RN, CCTN, nursing director, in a letter of support for Wilson’s award nomination. “She is a deep listener, always seeking to understand the core concerns of her patients. As a mentor and exemplary model for nursing practice, her instruction is both inspiring and motivating, as evidenced by the positive feedback from recent nursing graduates.”

One of Wilson’s patients described the way that she carefully explained their options for pain medication and side effects and how she proactively addressed their concerns. “Santina put the control in me when I had none,” the patient recalled. “She listened to me and explained everything. She made me feel as if she had all the time in the world for me. I felt I was the priority.”

Wilson is deeply attuned to the well-being and needs of those around her and has been one of several nurses on the unit leading efforts to create meaningful self-care opportunities for staff. She has served as a member of the unit’s Integrative Care Committee since 2009, helping to establish a Caritas room with relaxation modalities for staff. She has been instrumental in organizing numerous wellness fairs for staff with reiki, music therapy, arts and crafts and chair yoga, among other highlights.

“Santina’s compassion is abundant,” shared Kate Callahan, MSN, RN, PCCN, professional development manager. “She cares not only for patients, but also for her colleagues. Santina is one of the first to say hello to a new face and offer kind words to those who may be experiencing struggles. She is more than willing to share her knowledge and experiences with both new-to-practice and seasoned staff.”

Wilson, a member of the unit-based practice council, participated in the unit’s application for a Beacon Award. She also co-authored a poster on the effects of daily ambulation on patient outcomes, which won first prize at the Society of Vascular Nursing Conference in 2022 and facilitated a change in practice on the unit.

Wilson is also an advocate for the well-being of those in her community. She was among three mothers who led efforts in her town of Andover to have automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) placed

Santina Wilson and Susan Williams, nursing director

at six youth sports fields. They worked with the town manager and fire chief to seek donations and pass an article at Town Meeting for the AEDs, waterproof cabinets and emergency radio towers that alert local emergency responders.

“Santina’s work with patients, on the Integrative Care Committee and in the community has played a profound role in advancing the nursing profession and the well-being of patients at

BWH and beyond,” wrote Nayla Zreik, BSN, RN, GERO-BC, in nominating Wilson. “She is an outstanding nurse and colleague.”

Wilson earned her BSN from Northeastern University.

Nominated by Nayla Zreik, BSN, RN, GERO-BC, with letters of support fro

m Susan Williams, DNP, RN, CCTN, nursing director, and Kate Callahan, MSN, RN, PCCN, professional development manager