Dominique Gaines, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) student at Galen College of Nursing’s Houston campus, is proving that a little compassion goes a long way, having just earned the Flower Bud Award at HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe during her clinical rotation. 

The Flower Bud Award is a prestigious recognition presented to nursing students who exemplify the core qualities of compassion, empathy and professionalism that characterize the nursing profession.  

“My approach to nursing comes down to one belief: good people deserve to be taken care of by good people,” said Dominique. “I work hard to make every patient feel seen and cared for beyond what’s on their chart, so being recognized for that by the HCA Conroe team was really special.” 

Dominique’s attentiveness and willingness to take initiative were especially evident during a recent child abduction exercise. During the exercise, Dominique remained alert, sprang into action, and successfully located the decoy child. 

The Flower Bud Award recognizes these qualities while celebrating the compassionate approach Dominique brings to her clinical experience. 

While initiative and attentiveness are important qualities in nursing, Dominique’s instructor, Dr. Cynthia Cruz DNP, MSN, BSN,RN, emphasized that what truly distinguishes her is the way she makes others feel. 

“What truly makes Dominique stand out as a soon-to-be-hirable graduate nurse is the way she makes people feel. Her vibrant personality is contagious, and it has been an absolute pleasure to facilitate such an outstanding nursing student in a clinical setting,” she said. 

Dr. Cruz also highlighted Dominique’s deeply caring nature as an exceptional quality that current and future nurses should embrace. Her compassion, empathy, and professionalism have made her a valued presence during the clinical rotation. 

These qualities are central to the kind of nurse Dominique hopes to become, and this philosophy has already been reflected in Dominique’s previous recognition for exceptional patient care, with the Compassion in Action award.  

As Dominique continues working toward becoming a registered nurse, the Flower Bud Award marks another meaningful milestone in her journey. Her clinical experiences have provided opportunities to strengthen her skills, learn from healthcare professionals, and put her commitment to patient-centered care into practice. 

“Dominique has consistently been thoroughly engaged, observant, and always looking for ways to step in and contribute to the team. Her deeply caring nature is an exceptional trait that all future and current nurses should embrace,” said Dr. Cruz.  

For Dominique, the recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects something she strives to demonstrate every day: a genuine commitment to caring for others. Being acknowledged by the HCA Healthcare team reinforces the value of approaching every patient’s interaction with empathy, attentiveness, and respect.