Nayla Zreik is an Essence of Nursing Award honoree.

Compassionate communication is at the heart of Nayla Zreik’s nursing practice.

“I really enjoy building connections with my patients, whether that means communicating in their own native language when possible, sharing their favorite recipe, a cherished book, a beloved piece of music, or witnessing a silent tear,” said Zreik, who has worked as a charge nurse on Shapiro 8, Cardiology and Vascular Surgery, her “second home,” for 22 years. “I take pride in maximizing their independence and ensuring they feel comfortable, respected and valued as a person.”

Before joining the Brigham, Zreik began her nursing career in her native Lebanon during the country’s first civil war. Her experiences during that time continue to influence her nursing practice.

“During a time of mass casualties and staff and resource shortages in Beirut, I learned resilience, the ability to navigate challenges with determination and how to adapt to difficult situations,” Zreik said. “I became thankful for having basic amenities such as running hot water and reliable electricity. I learned that when challenges arise, strength and perseverance are keys to overcoming them. These essential traits continue to define my nursing practice today.”

Several colleagues recalled the special ways Zreik was able to navigate a challenging situation and connect with a patient who had become depressed and withdrawn because of her medical condition.

“Nayla had immense empathy and made it her priority to develop a relationship in which she was able to provide compassionate, relationship-based care,” said Andrea Fonseca, MSN, RN. “Nayla combined her knowledge and experience of caring for traumatically injured patients in Beirut to provide the best care possible to this patient. With her patience and grace, she gently guided the patient through her ordeal.”

Susan Williams and Nayla Zreik

That included advocating among multiple disciplines for the best plan to manage the patient’s pain and mental health needs. “The patient learned to trust Nayla and was able to express herself in a way no other staff were able to experience,” said Fonseca. “She developed hope where she had been hopeless. Witnessing the way Nayla positively affected this patient has been the most profound representation of our Professional Practice Model I’ve seen to date.”

Zreik is equally dedicated to her colleagues on the unit. She is a trusted mentor for new staff and a resource to experienced nurses on the unit.

“Nayla is an exceptional nurse who is always eager to assist others, which she does with grace and compassion,” said Melanie Peterson, BSN, RN. “We know that we can approach her with any concerns and there will be no judgement or hesitation to help. Her colleagues look to her for guidance and utilize her knowledge that comes with 41 years of nursing experience.”

Zreik is dedicated to continuing to improve quality, safety and the experience of patients through her roles as a member of the NIC Council, the Geriatrics Committee and the Skin Prevalence Committee. As a geriatric resource nurse, she educates newly hired nurses on the Superior Surgical Treatment for Seniors Pathway to improve postoperative outcomes of older adult patients. She also led a quality-improvement mobility project on Shapiro 8.

“Nayla’s ability to inspire her colleagues and her steadfast commitment to excellence demonstrate the essence of nursing at its finest,” said Susan Williams, DNP, RN, CCTN, nursing director. “Her years of service at BWH, her passion for patient care and her dedication to her colleagues truly distinguish her as a role model in the field.”

Nominated by Andrea Fonseca, MSN, RN, and the Shapiro 8 Nursing Practice Council, with letters of support from Susan Williams, DNP, RN, CCTN, nursing director, and Melanie Peterson, BSN, RN, of Shapiro 8