Reza Joolhar, a float pool nurse that spent the last year as a charge nurse for one of Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian’s COVID-19 units, was named the hospital’s nurse of the year on Monday.

With a more than 20-year history with the hospital, officials said that Joolhar has served as a mentor and role model to many of his colleagues.

“We are proud to recognize Reza Joolhar as our Nurse of the Year,” said Rick Martin, vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer, in a statement. “Not only did he provide exceptional care for the patients, but he was a tremendous leader for our nurses during an extremely challenging time. His dedication is a true representation of our entire team of [registered nurses] at Hoag who are committed to providing outstanding care to our community.”