Christina Montemayor-Wong is a compassionate and extraordinary nurse. She is friendly, humble, confident, and professional in all that she does. Her colleagues, patients, and family members value and respect her. So much can be said about the many caring moments and positive patient outcomes Christina has been part of. Today I would like to recognize Christina for the efforts, and unforgettable care she has provided to the poly-trauma patients and families.
A patient who has truly gained the best from Christina’s care, had sustained severe injuries that left him unrecognizable. According to Christina his appearance was not a factor in who he was. She once told me “just look into his blue eyes, you will see who he is and what he needs.” Christina was the primary nurse for this patient since his admission mainly because she took the extra time to know every detail of the patient, wife, and child. Through what seemed like “endless days” Christina left work both physically and mentally exhausted. Still she came in the next day with a smile and determined to face all the new challenges this unique patient brought to her and the rest of the unit.
Christina would tell the staff that she and the patient communicated well despite his severe cognitive impairments. However, some staff questioned how she was able to communicate with him. When we, the nurses at the poly-trauma unit, witnessed her interaction with the patient it was clear that she had a special way of communicating with him in a non-verbal way. According to Christina she knew what the patient needed by looking through his deep blue eyes, and through slight moaning and movements the patient made. She talked to him and explained every intervention as if he was listening, looking and understanding her. Christina then helped other staff members get more comfortable in providing care for the patient. Her advocacy facilitated in-services that assisted staff in the care of the patient. Overall the patient did make some slight progress; the wife was able to leave the unit to care for her daughter and self because she trusted Christina with her husband’s care.
Christina never seeks recognition for her excellent nursing skills because she says “I am doing the right thing that is what I would do for my family.” I ask that you consider Christina for the DAISY Award so that she may be recognized for what she gives to our veterans, soldiers, families, and nurses. Without a doubt Christina helps elevate the standard of care given by the VA nurses.