Stephanie Gonzalez
March 2020
Stephanie
Gonzalez
,
RN
B3
Lakeland Regional Health
Lakeland
,
FL
United States
Seeing the way Stephanie was there for him was beautiful. He was using that time to open up and cry to us and Stephanie made sure to make this time with him a priority.
Stephanie is one of the nurses I personally look up to when it comes to caring for patients. She takes her time in each room, not only doing assessments and giving meds, but she actually takes the time to really get to know her patients and listen to their stories. One time that really stood out to me is when we were in the room with an elderly patient. He was getting ready to head to a nursing/rehab facility since an order had been placed for discharge. We were in the room getting him all nice and ready to head on out when a special moment happened that I will remember forever. We all somehow got on the subject of his son who passed away a couple of years ago. This conversation also included Jesus, as the patient was religious. Seeing the way Stephanie was there for him was beautiful. He was using that time to open up and cry to us and Stephanie made sure to make this time with him a priority. His story touched my heart, and I know it touched hers. Instead of her trying to rush to the next patient, she stayed in there and listened to all he had to say. Not only did she use her caring listening ears and related religion, but she shed a few tears with him as well. I got to experience this special moment and I will not forget it. Seeing the way she was with him made me so very happy. Sometimes it's not all about medicine that needs to be passed or assessments that need to be done to help heal someone during a sick/hard time. Sometimes, all it takes is someone to just be there for you and listen. Personal connection goes a very long way. This story is only a fraction of who Stephanie is, as there are many wonderful things about her. But, this story does show Stephanie is always there for her patients and truly wants to connect with them. I love working with her! As a PCA and nursing student, I can honestly say she is setting a great example of an excellent nurse. She is 100% full of care and compassion!