Erica Valdez
May 2018
Erica
Valdez
,
RN
Chemotherapy
Nor-Lea Hospital District
Lovington
,
NM
United States

 

 

 

The Cancer Center recently had a recently diagnosed patient. Not only did he have a cancer diagnosis but he also had several underlying social needs. Erica stepped in without hesitation and became this patient's advocate. On several occasions, the patient was alone in another facility and Erica called to make sure that the patient was being treated with dignity and respect.
Erica not only coordinated his medical care, she also worked on his social needs. The gentleman had no family support in the country and no place to stay. Erica met with the local priest on her personal time to assure that this gentleman had a warm bed to sleep in and transportation to and from appointments.
Erica made numerous calls to his family to keep them informed of the patient's medical status. She never complained. In fact, there were several times it appeared that she didn't think she had done enough. Erica's heart is boundless and the Cancer Center is blessed to have her. She truly has a servant's heart.