To an outsider, it may appear that patients come to us to remedy a specific health concern, but quite often, much more is going on than can be neatly summarized in a chart. Such was the case with a patient under the care of Len Cabrera R.N. In this instance, the patient had a serious chronic condition, coupled with a history of critical surgery, that was then complicated by an acute event.
"Len was a breath of fresh air who offered advice and options I didn't know existed," wrote the former patient. "Her warmth, smile, and laughter took my mind off the pain, and her attitude towards teamwork assured me that the entire floor was there to care for me. I've been hospitalized many times, and there is no greater feeling knowing someone really wants to be there to help you."
When a patient can set aside his or her own suffering to call attention to the exemplary performance of one of our own, it's a source of pride for all of us. Of the countless people who pass through our doors seeking relief and comfort - those who are ill, as well as family and friends who share their distress - a single truth emerges as remarkable. In that sea of humanity in need of our care, we alone want to be here. Nurses like Len truly show that we are here, to help.