Elizabeth Lopez
September 2025
Elizabeth
Lopez
,
RN
Pediatrics
ECU Health Medical Center
Greenville
,
NC
United States
With a soft, reassuring smile, Nurse Elizabeth bent down to M's level, introducing herself and gently explaining the steps of the treatment in a way that made sense to her, using toys and illustrations to demonstrate the process.
My 6-year-old was admitted to the pediatric unit after a sudden and severe asthma attack. I was terrified. I had never seen her so sick before. My daughter also has special needs and developmental delays, which meant she had difficulty understanding the procedures and what was happening. Nurse Elizabeth, who was assigned to my daughter's care, immediately noticed the fear in her eyes. With a soft, reassuring smile, Nurse Elizabeth bent down to M's level, introducing herself and gently explaining the steps of the treatment in a way that made sense to her, using toys and illustrations to demonstrate the process. She recognized how overwhelming the hospital setting could be, especially for a child like mine who had sensory sensitivities. Nurse Elizabeth didn't just focus on the medical care; she made sure my daughter felt safe and understood. She created a calm environment, using dim lighting and soothing words to keep her relaxed. She even brought in a stuffed animal for my daughter to hold, something small but important to help her feel in control during the stressful experience. Over the next few days, Nurse Elizabeth's empathy and consistency were invaluable. She helped me feel supported, walking me through each step of the treatment and patiently answering my questions. Elizabeth also worked with the child life specialists to engage my daughter in fun, calming activities, and always made sure to check in on her emotional well-being, not just her physical progress. My daughter's asthma attack was eventually stabilized, and she was able to come home. But what stuck with me was Nurse Elizabeth's kindness. I felt truly heard and supported, and was confident that my daughter's recovery was not just about the medical care she received, but about the compassionate and holistic approach that Nurse Elizabeth took to treat both her and me.