Selena works as a pre-op nurse helping to prep patients for surgery. Her smile and compassion set the stage for a calming environment, even for the most anxious patients. Recently, a patient who was nervous for their surgery asked Selena to pray with her before she was taken to the operating room. Selena did not hesitate and held the patient's hand and said a short prayer. The smile on the patient's face made a world of difference. This selfless act is only one example of how Selena puts her patients first and goes above and beyond to make sure her patients have the best possible surgical experience.
Selena also is an advocate of promoting teamwork in the SDS department. She is instrumental in changing the nursing format from Primary to Team Nursing, noting that the Team approach would help to improve both patient and staff satisfaction. Since implementation, the SDS has shown decreased staff turnover and increased team member morale. As Relief-Charge, Selena helps everyone and no job is too big or too little. She strips stretchers, empties garbage and will take a patient assignment if needed in order to get her nurse to lunch in a timely manner. She states, "I don't want anyone getting hangry!" and pitches in wherever needed.