Leandro Montenegro Torres
November 2025
Leandro
Montenegro Torres
,
BSN, RN, CNIII
Acute Rehab
Duke Regional Hospital
Durham
,
NC
United States
Leo took the time to get to know my dad, understand his routine, and ensure he was cared for in the best way possible.
My father was admitted to the inpatient rehab unit at DRH after suffering a major stroke. This was devastating as my father was independent, living on his own, and healthy. He lost all motor function on his left side. We were scared, not knowing what was coming next, and we landed in rehab.
At first encounter, Leo was a saint. He welcomed us to the 7-3 family, clearly articulated the layout of the unit, what to expect each day, and provided my dad with the comfort he needed to be safe and comfortable. He knew exactly how to position Dad to ensure he had maximum use of his good arm and had all the necessities within reach.
The following day after admission, a rapid response was called on my father, and when I arrived, my father was extremely emotional, crying, and very scared. Leo came in and took the time to reassure us with the result of the imaging that everything was normal, and he didn’t suffer another stroke. Knowing how scared Dad was, Leo took it upon himself to secure Dad a private room that same day. We didn’t have to ask; Leo just instinctively knew what was best for not only dad’s physical well-being but his mental well-being.
Leo was extraordinary in not only his technical nursing skills of assessment, but he also has a special talent for empathy and makes patients feel heard and seen. Leo took the time to get to know my dad, understand his routine, and ensure he was cared for in the best way possible.
Leo went the extra mile by showing us how to go outside, which really made my dad so happy to feel that fresh air. Leo was very attentive to dad’s needs and would also take that extra time to stop in and check on dad, even when he wasn’t his assigned patient. That’s special! As a fellow RN, I try not to hold unrealistic expectations about caring for a loved one, and with Leo, it was natural. There were never any fears that Dad was in the wrong hands.
Leo is a true patient advocate and deserves to be recognized for his extraordinary care of his patients, loved ones, and each other. He defines Duke values, and it’s been an honor to have known Leo and been a recipient of his compassion and expertise in nursing.
At first encounter, Leo was a saint. He welcomed us to the 7-3 family, clearly articulated the layout of the unit, what to expect each day, and provided my dad with the comfort he needed to be safe and comfortable. He knew exactly how to position Dad to ensure he had maximum use of his good arm and had all the necessities within reach.
The following day after admission, a rapid response was called on my father, and when I arrived, my father was extremely emotional, crying, and very scared. Leo came in and took the time to reassure us with the result of the imaging that everything was normal, and he didn’t suffer another stroke. Knowing how scared Dad was, Leo took it upon himself to secure Dad a private room that same day. We didn’t have to ask; Leo just instinctively knew what was best for not only dad’s physical well-being but his mental well-being.
Leo was extraordinary in not only his technical nursing skills of assessment, but he also has a special talent for empathy and makes patients feel heard and seen. Leo took the time to get to know my dad, understand his routine, and ensure he was cared for in the best way possible.
Leo went the extra mile by showing us how to go outside, which really made my dad so happy to feel that fresh air. Leo was very attentive to dad’s needs and would also take that extra time to stop in and check on dad, even when he wasn’t his assigned patient. That’s special! As a fellow RN, I try not to hold unrealistic expectations about caring for a loved one, and with Leo, it was natural. There were never any fears that Dad was in the wrong hands.
Leo is a true patient advocate and deserves to be recognized for his extraordinary care of his patients, loved ones, and each other. He defines Duke values, and it’s been an honor to have known Leo and been a recipient of his compassion and expertise in nursing.