Liz Orozco, BSN, RN

As a fellow nurse, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Liz, and I witnessed firsthand how her clinical skill and compassionate care made a remarkable difference in a recent case. For several weeks, we cared for a critically ill patient whose family member was adamant about his beliefs regarding the care of his loved one. We found ourselves in a difficult situation as the family member continued to push for what he felt was right, often in a disrespectful manner.

As nurses, we encounter all kinds of individuals—from the kindest to the most challenging. Despite the circumstances, Liz cared for this patient with unwavering compassion, patience, and professionalism. She went above and beyond for the patient and successfully helped the family members understand why certain treatments were necessary. When Liz entered the room, she approached the situation with a calm, steady presence that immediately showed her confidence and knowledge. Throughout the many shifts she cared for this specific patient, Liz meticulously monitored the patient’s respiratory and blood pressure status, carefully titrating oxygen support and vasopressors while coordinating with the care team. Her clinical expertise shone as she quickly identified subtle signs of deterioration. She advocated for rapid intervention, collaborating closely with our care team to adjust the treatment plan based on the patient’s evolving needs. During all this, she maintained clear and compassionate communication with the family member, both in person and via telecommunication, and ensured that the interdisciplinary team involved him in discussions about the plan of care.

Liz's dedication to this patient’s care truly went above and beyond. Her ability to balance advanced clinical skills with such heartfelt compassion is rare and inspiring. Watching her make a meaningful difference in this patient’s experience, I was reminded of the impact a skilled and caring nurse can have on patients and families alike.