This is long overdue. As Elena's colleague, I observed her caring and supportive nature many times, but this one particular moment stood out to me.

About a year ago, a life-threatening emergency took place during a case where Elena routinely circulates. The patient was in an extremely critical state, where surgeons from other specialties had to scrub in to support and try to stabilize the patient.

Elena not only showed excellent nursing skills and great teamwork (while under pressure), but she also demonstrated great compassion and empathy during this period. Elena also stayed long after her shift and went to the patient's bedside to comfort and provide emotional support to the patient's family. It was that critical of a case that the patient had to get transferred to a different facility, so Elena went above and beyond to be there every step of the way.

After the patient was transferred back to SPUH, Elena would visit her patient and family almost every day (including weekends), providing emotional support and compassion to the fullest.