“Cancer treatment is a trying experience. Little things make the biggest impact, and our oncology nurses are the absolute best at knowing how to make the experience more bearable,” said Anjal Pong, DNP, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, CNOR, magnet director, Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center.
Pong feels fortunate to work alongside nurses who bring that level of compassion to every patient interaction. One of them is her colleague, Ejere Elekwachi, BSN, RN, who has worked at Kaiser Permanente for 11 years and joined the oncology team at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center in 2022. His personable demeanor, professionalism, and clinical expertise helped earn Elekwachi a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, an international recognition honoring exceptional nursing care.
A steady and warm presence
“I noticed right away that he was both highly skilled as a nurse and very good at interacting with people,” said a patient who nominated Elekwachi for a DAISY Award.
Known for his warm, friendly approach, Elekwachi helps patients feel at ease while providing exceptional care.
One patient who experienced that approach firsthand was recently diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. “Cancer is overwhelming, so I greet patients with a smile, a positive attitude, and friendly conversation. The last thing I want to do is add to their stress,” Elekwachi said.
For Elekwachi, caring for patients goes beyond treatment. “Learning about their interests, careers, and lives outside of cancer helps form connections, making the experience more personal and supportive,” he said.
Attention to every detail
“He took more time than others when accessing my chemo port, making sure everything was positioned comfortably and wouldn’t be pulled if I moved,” the patient shared. “I don’t rush when accessing a patient’s port,” Elekwachi stated. “I take the time to numb the area, secure a comfortable dressing, and ensure patients can move comfortably throughout their treatment.”
This attention to detail is central to Elekwachi’s approach to nursing. “I put myself in the patient’s shoes,” he added. “I ask myself how I would want to be treated if I were receiving chemotherapy.”
Answering the call to care
“I began working as a pharmacy technician and soon realized I was drawn to a more direct role in patient care,” Elekwachi shared. “When I transitioned to a patient care technician, I discovered how much I enjoyed working with patients.”
“Watching people arrive seriously ill and leave stronger, healthier, and ready to return home confirmed that nursing was the right path for me,” Elekwachi said.
Looking ahead
“Whether it’s building relationships, helping a patient connect with a family member, assisting with everyday needs, or ensuring comfort during treatment, nurses should approach every interaction with compassion, expertise, and attention to detail,” Elekwachi said.
“Earning a DAISY Award is especially meaningful because the patient who nominated me is now in remission,” he shared.