Meditative Story A nurse's story, by Wayne Little
Feb 24, 2026
Wayne Little, a top nursing administrator who led UCSF’s mass COVID vaccination effort, reflects on a lifelong calling to care inspired by an early mentor. He recounts caregiving in youth, deep patient bonds, mobilizing nurses in crises, designing a 23-lane drive-thru, and how joyful teamwork and equitable care shaped a community-focused response.
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How One Mentor Made Nursing Feel Like Home
- Wayne Little found his calling after meeting charge nurse Robin Steed whose confidence and sense of mission made him love nursing from day one.
- He recalled Robin's scientific focus and presence that convinced him nursing was the right fit and made him excited to wake up for work.
A Teenager Driving His Sick Mother Shaped His Path
- Wayne describes caring for his mother through cancer as a teenager and how local nurses and a doctor became integral to his family during her last weeks.
- He drove his mother to hospital in an old Hillman, learned intimate caregiving tasks, and was recommended for his first job after her death.
Being Best Man And Nurse For A Patient
- On a haematology ward Wayne became close to long-stay leukemia patients and served as best man for one who relapsed, balancing nurse and friend roles at his wedding.
- He stayed in nursing despite emotional burden because the relationship and making a difference kept him engaged.