Eva Pappa, RN

I would like to commend Eva Pappa for the extraordinary compassion and care she showed my mother during a very difficult and emotional time for our family. My mother has always been the strong one. She has never been an anxious person a day in her life. However, after receiving unexpected and concerning news during this hospitalization, anxiety crept in, and she became understandably overwhelmed. Eva recognized this immediately and responded with a level of empathy and presence that our family will never forget.

Eva has such a soft-spoken and calming presence. She cared for my mother as if she were her own. During one particularly difficult moment, my mom began to cry, and Eva sat beside her, held her hand, and gently rubbed her knee—just as I have done many times as her daughter. In that moment, it truly felt like my mom had two daughters caring for her. Eva was not even scheduled to return the following day, yet she chose to pick up overtime and came back to continue caring for my mom.

Throughout her shift, she advocated multiple times for my mother to receive something to help calm her anxiety. Even when those requests were not immediately granted, Eva never stopped showing up for her. She sat with my mom, comforted her, and made sure she was not alone during such a vulnerable time.

After my mom received more difficult news, Eva sat with both of us and cried with us. Her compassion was so genuine and heartfelt, and I could see how much comfort my mother felt from her caring presence. Even after I left for the evening and her shift had ended, Eva stayed a little longer to comfort my mom and gave her a hug and well wishes before leaving. As a nurse myself, I felt extremely comfortable and reassured knowing my mother was receiving such excellent care, especially during the times when I could not be at her bedside.

Eva’s kindness, empathy, and dedication meant more to our family than words can fully express. During one of the most stressful and emotional moments in our lives, Eva was a light for our family. She will always be remembered for the comfort and compassion she brought to my mother when she needed it most. Nurses like Eva remind us that extraordinary nursing is not only about clinical skill, but about the humanity, empathy, and presence that can change a patient’s entire experience.

Thank you, Eva!