CSU Nursing Student Honored at 2026 Faces of Care Ceremony

Recent Cleveland State University graduate Zeina Hammoud was recognized at the 2026 Faces of Care Ceremony June 20, hosted by Cleveland Magazine in partnership with the Ohio League for Nursing.

The annual event celebrates nurses, nursing students and educators across Northeast Ohio who are making an extraordinary impact on patient care, education and the broader health care community.

Hammoud earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a minor in health care management.

“I cannot begin to express how honored and blessed I am to have been nominated for this award,” said Hammoud. “I take so much pride in what I do and am so happy my passion for nursing and caring for others was reflected and recognized by my peers and staff at CSU and in my clinical settings.” 

Even at a young age, Hammoud knew she was passionate about caring for others. That calling deepened during her first year at CSU, when she realized nursing is at the heart of health care. She initially planned to become a pediatrician, inspired by her own doctor, Dr. Guadiz, whom she deeply admired and credits as one of her greatest influences in pursuing a career in health care and for striving to provide the same care for her patients.

“She was nothing short of comforting, patient, caring, and compassionate. She not only treated myself, but my siblings as well. She made every appointment personal — she always started by asking how our family was and how my siblings were. What’s most important is that she would REMEMBER,” said Hammoud. “She remembered what sport we were playing in school; what classes we were enjoying; what we wanted to do after graduation. The conversations we had in the office were meaningful to us both. Her attentiveness and thoroughness with each one of us meant more than I can say. I hope to impact my future patients the way Dr. Guadiz impacted me.”

After discovering nursing was her passion, Hammoud applied for her first hospital job as a patient access representative in the Avon Cleveland Clinic Emergency Department. She began the role in February 2023, gaining real-world experience checking in and registering patients upon admission. She quickly learned to recognize critical symptoms, ensuring efficient communication with medical staff and advocating for critically ill patients. The experience later propelled her to become a clinical technician, allowing her to further develop her nursing skills and expand her knowledge.

“I was able to exercise many of my nursing skills learned in and outside of CSU and the clinical setting and between blood draws, obtaining EKGs, and providing basic care and comfort, this position really pushed me to be the best version of myself and provide the best quality care as possible to patients,” she said.

“I had possessed and managed my time between both positions up until early June of this year, as I transitioned into a full-time RN.”

After transitioning to a full-time RN in June, she discovered that her role would be critical in helping patients feel their best.

“I am very grateful for both of those jobs and the endless knowledge it provided me,” said Hammoud. “I am so thankful for the opportunity to accept a position and stay in the Emergency Department where I was able to grow and excel over these past couple of years and will continue to hopefully strive to be an exceptional nurse.”

Hammoud also credits CSU for the experiences it provided throughout her nursing school journey.

“There are several faculty and staff that have truly impacted my learning, and I cannot begin to express my gratitude to them,” she said. “Professor Walczak, Professor Cefo, Professor Gergis, Professor Smiley and Professor Elam are faculty and staff that I am so grateful to have had and learned from, and will carry their wisdom throughout the rest of my nursing career. Their support has truly meant so much to me during my journey.”

She also shared additional exciting news.

“I took my National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) on May 28 and passed,” she said. “I am officially a Registered Nurse and am very excited to begin my new career and hope to help care for others at their most vulnerable moments.” 

Hammoud also received the Fay Miller Communication Award at the CSU nursing pinning ceremony. Faculty and staff selected her from among her BSN cohort for the honor. The award is presented to “students who model outstanding communication and interpersonal skills that demonstrate sensitivity and caring with clients.”