In my many years of nursing I have rarely come across a nurse like Leilani Lim. There are people who are born to do what they do. I believe that Leilani was not just born to be a care giver, but was placed here in our hospital, specifically in our unit, to extend the healing ministry of Christ. Leilani lives our mission on a daily basis, never faltering. It starts with her contagious upbeat personality and smile that she walks in with every day that instantly makes patients and fellow nurses feel better. She quickly immerses herself in the needs of her patients and takes the time to talk to them and find out what will make them happy.
Leilani is a role model for our entire unit. She consistently prays with and for our patients and staff. She is our most outgoing spiritual ambassador. Her ministry with patients and their loved ones helps ease their fear and anxiety. She will sing to her patients while she sets up their meals or gives them their baths. As one of our ambassadors Leilani rounds on all our patients, talking to them and leaving pastoral care magnets on their doors, so the pastoral care staff and the health care team knows the patient would like some words of encouragement and healing. Also, in an effort to keep the staff inspired and promote pastoral care, Leilani brought in a basket full of spiritual, energizing fortune cookies which she gave to the staff and patients alike. I could go on about Leilani’s big heart and selfless efforts as this is just a sampling, but I think this makes it clear that she is deserving of this recognition.
It is seldom that you find such a complementary mix of clinical competence, compassion, ministry and giving. If our unit were a field of daisies, Leilani would the be the one near the center, in full blossom with soft, rounded petals and the brightest yellow center gleaming above the others, reflecting the sun’s light onto the rest.