In January on a Thursday evening our unit received a patient and family from the ECC. The family was from the Congo and only recently moved to the United States. It became apparent that there was a language barrier and we were not sure at first what language the patient and family spoke. After some collaborative work and the language line, we were able to speak with the patient and family in French.

I’m writing because of Lissa Prosper, RN. Lissa is a weekender RN on night shift and bilingual in French. She was a gift to this patient and family. She used her skills to help them understand not only the new diagnosis of Sickle Cell but all that had transpired since admission in the ECC through the weekend. She took time to read the “English” editions of patient ed materials to them in French and answer all of their questions. Lissa was a life saver to these people.

Lissa is normally a very gentle, caring and compassionate person. In this situation, she shined so brightly as a Registered Nurse. As a colleague, it makes me proud to know her. Her actions remind me of why we do this profession. We are here to serve others in their time of need. Lissa was able to calm so many fears for this patient and family that the remainder of us could not do as easily.

I learned Lissa called this patient and family on Monday after getting off her weekend shift to be sure they had all their questions answered and everything was going smoothly. The patient and family were anticipating discharge and were thrilled. I feel Lissa went beyond her responsibility as an RN because she showed this family compassion and caring that none of the rest of us could reach. She used her skills and talent to connect on a deeper level.