Yannan (Bay) Cai, RN – University Health Network
It is with deep admiration and respect that we nominate Yannan (Bay) Cai, RN, for the Nursing Hero Award. A truly extraordinary nurse, educator, and caregiver, Bay’s journey across four countries—China, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Canada—has shaped her into a deeply compassionate, culturally attuned, and highly skilled healthcare professional. Her story is one of resilience, selfless service, and unwavering commitment to her patients, colleagues, and the nursing profession at large.
A Global Journey, Rooted in Purpose
Bay’s dedication to nursing began in China, where she was born into a family of three generations of medical professionals. Inspired by her mother, a pediatrician, Bay chose to follow in her footsteps and began her nursing journey in 2002. Her internship coincided with the SARS outbreak, and Bay served on the frontlines—an experience that solidified her passion for nursing and ignited a lifelong dedication to service and education.
She went on to work as an emergency department nurse in her hometown, while also teaching medical-surgical nursing at a local nursing school. In 2006, inspired by a colleague fluent in English, Bay began self-studying medical English, determined to expand her professional horizons.
In 2007, after passing the recruitment exam for the Saudi Ministry of Health, Bay accepted a position as an emergency nurse in Saudi Arabia. Despite facing the challenges of a new culture and language, she taught herself Arabic within two months and quickly adapted to the fast-paced, multicultural healthcare environment. Her time in Saudi Arabia deepened her understanding of therapeutic communication, cultural sensitivity, and trauma-informed care, all of which have become hallmarks of her nursing style.
In 2011, Bay moved to the United States to pursue an RN-BSN program. The transition was not easy—she had to navigate language barriers, a new healthcare philosophy, and cultural differences. Where her previous roles emphasized technical skill, U.S. nursing education focused on critical thinking and clinical judgment. Bay embraced the challenge, developing a holistic, patient-centered approach that she carries to this day.
In 2018, Bay and her family immigrated to Canada. While working to transfer her nursing license, she pursued a master’s degree in education in Alberta, serving as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and further cementing her love for teaching. In 2022, she earned her Ontario nursing license and joined the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (PMCC), where her impact has been nothing short of transformative.
The Heart of 15B – Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
At PMCC’s 15B unit, Bay is widely known and deeply respected. Her colleagues affectionately call her the “Peripheral Queen” due to her exceptional skill in IV insertions and blood work. She is often the first person teammates turn to for clinical expertise, technical support, or simply a calming presence in a stressful moment.
Her impact, however, extends far beyond her clinical abilities. Bay is a multilingual nurse, fluent in Mandarin, Arabic, and English. She frequently steps in to translate for patients with limited English, ensuring they understand their treatment plans and feel truly heard. While interpreter services are available, Bay’s immediate and compassionate assistance saves time for physicians, pharmacists, therapists, and social workers alike—and more importantly, reduces patient stress during vulnerable moments.
One patient’s family shared how Bay went above and beyond to support their uncle, a Mandarin speaker receiving cancer treatment. Bay not only translated complex medical information but also provided Chinese-language instructions, appointment details, and emergency contact cards—going the extra mile to offer clarity and comfort.
In another instance, an elderly patient with limited mobility and no family available to assist was being discharged. Bay organized his medications, created Chinese-language instructions, booked a taxi, and personally ensured his safe departure. These moments, while seemingly small, are profound in their humanity.
Professionalism Under Pressure
Bay’s composure and leadership are perhaps most evident in moments of crisis. During a recent Code White emergency, Bay handled the situation with grace, staying composed, maintaining a safe environment, and communicating effectively with the AOS team. Her calm demeanor helped de-escalate the situation, ensuring safety for both the patient and staff.
On another occasion, while accompanying a disoriented patient for a PICC insertion, the patient became confused and attempted to get out of bed. Bay gently soothed the patient, using therapeutic communication and empathy to ease his distress. Her ability to balance professionalism with deep compassion allowed the procedure to proceed safely, and left a lasting impression on everyone present.
A Culture of Care and Kindness
Bay’s influence on the culture of 15B is immeasurable. She is generous, thoughtful, and always looking for ways to lift up her colleagues. Known to bring snacks, tea, and coffee on weekends and night shifts, Bay has helped foster a supportive, family-like environment. She even designed and donated custom T-shirts for the unit—a small gesture that had a big impact, with patients and staff alike expressing admiration and appreciation.
Her readiness to help extends beyond clinical care. She’s often seen fixing printers, solving computer issues, or lifting equipment, earning her the playful title of the unit’s “mechanical engineer.” But her contributions are always grounded in compassion—whether it’s for her coworkers or the patients she treats like family.
Balancing It All: Nurse, Scholar, Mother
Bay’s story is remarkable not only for what she has achieved but how she has managed it all. While working full-time in Toronto, she also balances part-time studies in Alberta and the responsibilities of motherhood. In 2024, she returned to school once again—this time for a post-master’s Nurse Practitioner program at the University of Alberta. Despite the physical and mental demands of commuting between provinces, Bay remains steadfast in her commitment to growth, driven by an enduring passion for learning and healing.
Her colleagues are in awe of her resilience, discipline, and humility. As one nurse noted, “She makes the rest of us want to be better—better nurses, better colleagues, better people.”
A Recognized Leader
Bay’s impact has not gone unnoticed. On April 1, she was honored with the prestigious Rose Dean Oncology Nursing Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to cancer care and nursing excellence. A poster proudly displayed in the unit celebrates her achievement, but for those who work with her every day, no award could fully capture the depth of her influence.
Her dedication to CAR-T and CAR-NK therapy, her tireless commitment to education, and her natural leadership make her an invaluable asset to PMCC—and to every patient lucky enough to have her at their side.
Final Words
Bay Cai is not just a nurse. She is a global citizen, an educator, a caregiver, a mentor, and an inspiration. Her journey across borders and cultures has brought with it a depth of experience that enriches every team she joins and every patient she treats. Whether through a kind word in someone’s native language, an expertly placed IV, or a thoughtful snack on a night shift, Bay’s presence makes things better—every single day.
She is the embodiment of what it means to be a Nurse Hero.
It is our absolute honor to nominate Yannan (Bay) Cai for this award. Her story reminds us all that nursing is not only a profession but a calling—one that Bay answers every day with courage, grace, and heart.
Patient Testimonials:
My uncle, Bing Xiao, was admitted to Princess Margaret Cancer Center at the end of March for cancer treatment. Although he has lived in Canada for almost 15 years, he still speaks limited English. A nurse on 15B, Bay Cai, has been invaluable. My uncle and his family greatly appreciate her assistance.
During this time, even though the hospital offers translator services, Bay has gone above and beyond to help, saving valuable time for the entire team, including physicians, physical therapists, dietitians, pharmacists, and social workers. Bay has been exceptionally patient, explaining everything thoroughly. She also provided Chinese versions of all medical lists, follow-up appointments, and emergency contact cards. We are truly grateful for her support.
A grateful patient
My grandpa, Mr. Zhang, was admitted to Princess Margaret Cancer Center 15B for treatment. He is 87 years old and speaks Mandarin, often using his phone as a translator. Since my grandparents live in an independent living facility far from downtown, no one could accompany him when he was discharged from the hospital. Nurse Bay Cai from 15B helped my grandpa by organizing all his home medications and providing a Chinese version of the instructions. She also booked a taxi for him and assisted him in leaving the hospital. My family truly appreciates her help.
