First, I am a very private person when it comes to my health, but in this case, I would like to share my story with you all, so it can be used to recognize a nurse. Seven years ago, I had surgery here in Mission Hospital and it was not until one of our employee committee meetings that I saw her name tag and read her name. Before that, I just knew her as the nurse with the beautiful grey hair. I came in for kidney stones and never had surgery before or even hospitalized. I will never forget the way Elia Garcia treated me and my mother. During my stay, she made me feel at ease and let me know what the physicians said about my care. One thing that really touched me was the way she treated me. I asked her if she treats all her patients the same way. She smiled and let me know that I reminded her of her brother and that at one point he was in my shoes. When I asked her about it, she said he has the same illness.
Elia told me, "You stand out from every person who comes here because many patients expire due to their self-neglect and not wanting to live with a burden of an illness." Since she gave me the trust to talk to her about my status, I asked her if she could explain to my mom that I was not going to die due to my illness since she was still a bit old-fashioned. I remember her telling my mom, "Your son is just like any other man in this world, just a bit more special since he has aweaker immune system." She also let her know that I can't get her sick. She made it clear that everything will be fine. As time got closer for surgery, she would always let me know that nervousness and anesthesia don't mix well so she assured me that she would make a note stating to administer the anesthesia with me knowing so I would not freak out.
The day came for surgery and I was about to get wheeled out of the room when Elia asked me, "Did you eat?" I told her yes, "I was very hungry." She got upset because there was an order that I was not supposed to eat before surgery. She went to speak to the physician and let him know that I had eaten and so I had to wait 4 to 5 hours more before they can take me to the OR. When it was time for me to go, she was by my side and asked me what my religion was. I let her know that I am Catholic. She put her hand on my head and held my hand and started to pray over me. She promised me that nothing bad was going to happen and that she would see me here in my room very soon.
When I woke up, the first thing I saw was Elia next to the bed. She said, "Promise kept, and I am here, and you are just fine." After a week of being in the hospital, she became like a 2nd mother since she was the one who was with me all day until 7 PM. One thing she said that never left my mind is, "There is nothing wrong with you and you are healthier than me, never let anyone bring you down, and appreciate life more and look at it as a bump on the road, move forward and look to the future." Now I work in the same place as she does, and I've seen her do that again but with my mother not too long ago when she was hospitalized here. What other nurse goes out of her way to call you and let you know your mom is looking for you and asking when you are going to see her? I think Elia does not recognize me since back then I had a full set of hair and plus she has patients all the time.
Therefore, I nominate Elia Garcia for the DAISY Award because nurses like her are few who can relate and put themselves in a situation that hit home like it did with my situation and in her loss of her brother due to the same illness. Till this day, I still remember it clearly and each time I think of that day it brings a tear to my eyes just to know that a wonderful selfless soul made a difference to a person who at one point was ashamed of what he has. It made my life easier to know that a wonderful lady like her made a difference in me by accepting myself and telling myself that everything will be ok.