I would like to recognize Elvira Balbin, a colleague, and exceptional nurse. Elvira is a pioneer in the Green House Home, she is also a Certified Geriatric Nurse. Elvira lives the Green House model as it was intended, she is caring, compassionate and respectful to all she comes in contact with. I have had the pleasure of observing Elvira in action, on several occasions.
Elvira knows her veterans in her Green House Home very well, she tells me of a "great catch"story which cannot go unnoticed, as it is a good lesson for all nurses. Elvira tells me one of her residents had a very subtle change in behavior and had a low-grade temperature. Most diligent nurses might have placed him on their "continue to observe list", but Elvira had a "gut feeling", something might be wrong. Knowing, that a Geriatric resident might be ill and exhibit very subtle symptoms, or none at all, she called the provider. The provider decided to transfer the resident to the hospital, where it was discovered, the resident was septic.
Elvira may have saved the life of one of our heroes. I am both proud and honored to call her my colleague, as she utilizes her expertise as a Certified Geriatric Nurse, and her nursing care as Nightingale had intended.