Elizabeth Rafalko
December 2024
Elizabeth
Rafalko
,
BSN, RN
Progressive Care Unit
Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center
Wilkes-Barre
,
PA
United States

 

 

 

She was his voice. She was his advocate. She was his nurse. The compassion and care that Liz displayed is truly unmatched.
If you have ever met Liz Rafalko, you would know that she is the definition of a genuine person and a strong advocate for her patients. Recently, she was involved in a difficult situation involving an STICU patient transitioning to Gift of Life. Liz stayed by the patient's side the entire time, advocated for said patient when they did not have a voice, and asked questions to gain knowledge and embrace this situation. Not only did Liz stay to see the patient into the OR and take his final breath, but she was invested and stayed as long as she possibly could to support the patient during this time. She was his voice. She was his advocate. She was his nurse. The compassion and care that Liz displayed is truly unmatched. The team from Gift of Life reached out to me and said that Liz was impressive and a joy to work with during this difficult situation. Words cannot describe how proud I am of Liz and the advocacy she displayed for this patient. She is extremely deserving of a DAISY Award to honor not only this experience but also the nursing care she provides each day.