I have had the privilege of working with Elena for the last decade. She is an exceptional nurse and person. She goes above and beyond every day to make at least one person's day brighter. When walking the halls with Elena, she knows every employee and greets them with an infectious smile.
Elena is a single mother of 3 children. She carries a lot of weight on her shoulders, but she never lets her burdens affect her job and how she cares for others. I've seen her use her maternal instinct to mentor countless scared new nurses and help them succeed. There is nothing she won't do to ensure the best care is provided for her patients. I've witnessed her advocate for her patients' time and time again, no matter the cost. She has an ability to comfort and console families by showing them she truly does care which relieves them of worries about leaving their loved ones in her care.
None of what Elena does is for recognition. She genuinely cares and it shows. This past fall, Elena cared for a young lady who was very sick and had a diagnosis that could lead to her death at any moment. Elena worked tirelessly to help this patient get well and her efforts were rewarded when the patient was able to transfer out of SICU. Elena and this patient had joked about spending Thanksgiving together here at the hospital and Elena promised to share her Thanksgiving meal. On Elena's day off, she delivered this young patient a home-cooked Thanksgiving meal to her hospital room. The patient was thrilled!
This is only one of the innumerable caring acts that Elena has done for her patients. She cares just as much for her coworkers and is always there for them with a warm hug and kind words. Elena is selfless and one could only hope to be her patient if ever they fell ill. I am proud to call her my coworker and friend!