My great-grandfather was recently in the Salisbury hospital after experiencing a fall, which led to a necrosis diagnosis in his toes from a diabetic wound and an unfortunate and unsettling decision that he required amputation above the knee.

At 92, he was still very much a self-sufficient, independent, and self-caring man. He balanced his own books, drove himself around town and lived independently, so you can imagine the concerns we all had knowing what he was now facing.

As I work in the operating room, I was able to check on my “Pop” during his post-surgical recovery. Our family was so lucky to have Elizabeth caring for him, working diligently and quickly. She was his advocate, ensuring his IV lines were secured in place to provide him with the pain medication he required.

Elizabeth showed extraordinary empathy, compassion, and kindness. We are very fortunate at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional to have nurses like Elizabeth who work in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU).