Lesa Van-der-Leest
May 2021
Lesa
Van-der-Leest
,
RN, BSN
St. Luke's Hospital (MO)
Chesterfield
,
MO
United States
Lesa is a resource to all who surround her
Lesa VanDerLeest has been with St. Luke's for a very long time. She was my preceptor when I was new to St. Luke's. As most people know, Division 5500 was transitioned to Medical/Surgical from GYN very quickly. Lesa has been an absolute invaluable resource for me and the rest of our colleagues here on 5500.
Lesa has essentially stepped up into an assistant nurse manager role. Not that anyone had to ask her to do anything, she just does it. She has given her all to make the unit a success in its infancy stages. She is a resource to all who surround her. She always knows what is going on with each and every patient on the floor. She assists me in ensuring unit success by addressing what the unit needs are and will be in the future.
Lesa has been the preceptor for every employee that has come to Division 5500, as I said including me. She does all of these things with an effortless grace that is undeniable. The physicians always want their special patients to be taken care of by Lesa, I have noticed this on multiple occasions. Lesa is recognized throughout the hospital as an outstanding nurse who will not only advocate for her patients but also keep the physicians informed of any changes happening.
Recently, Lesa had to call a Rapid Response on a patient who was exhibiting stroke-like symptoms. When the resident came, the symptoms had resolved. Lesa trusted her nursing intuition and escalated to the attending that the patient needed a head CT because he had such a transient neuro exam. The patient did get the head CT and had a large subdural hematoma with a midline shift and had brain surgery in the days following. Lesa saved that man with her amazing nursing skills.
***
To Lesa from a grateful patient:
We “old people” have seen our share of hospitals and staff over the years, but rarely have the pleasure of such amazing competence and consideration as you consistently display. The respect you’ve shown us these last eight days of R's confinement was exceptional and your special efforts deserve special thanks!
We suspect you must think you are just doing your job, but we’re here to tell you that’s a very big deal! It makes all the difference with us.
You are significant and one of those rare professionals in today’s healthcare system who makes it a better place just by being in it.
We were most fortunate to have you. You will be always appreciated and remembered by us.
Lesa has essentially stepped up into an assistant nurse manager role. Not that anyone had to ask her to do anything, she just does it. She has given her all to make the unit a success in its infancy stages. She is a resource to all who surround her. She always knows what is going on with each and every patient on the floor. She assists me in ensuring unit success by addressing what the unit needs are and will be in the future.
Lesa has been the preceptor for every employee that has come to Division 5500, as I said including me. She does all of these things with an effortless grace that is undeniable. The physicians always want their special patients to be taken care of by Lesa, I have noticed this on multiple occasions. Lesa is recognized throughout the hospital as an outstanding nurse who will not only advocate for her patients but also keep the physicians informed of any changes happening.
Recently, Lesa had to call a Rapid Response on a patient who was exhibiting stroke-like symptoms. When the resident came, the symptoms had resolved. Lesa trusted her nursing intuition and escalated to the attending that the patient needed a head CT because he had such a transient neuro exam. The patient did get the head CT and had a large subdural hematoma with a midline shift and had brain surgery in the days following. Lesa saved that man with her amazing nursing skills.
***
To Lesa from a grateful patient:
We “old people” have seen our share of hospitals and staff over the years, but rarely have the pleasure of such amazing competence and consideration as you consistently display. The respect you’ve shown us these last eight days of R's confinement was exceptional and your special efforts deserve special thanks!
We suspect you must think you are just doing your job, but we’re here to tell you that’s a very big deal! It makes all the difference with us.
You are significant and one of those rare professionals in today’s healthcare system who makes it a better place just by being in it.
We were most fortunate to have you. You will be always appreciated and remembered by us.