Throughout my mother’s stay on 5th floor, Elena went above and beyond the call of duty. One incident in particular stands out. My mother was on a renal diet with limited fluids. There was some confusion amongst family members (based on information we were getting from different doctors/nurses/techs) as to how to measure her fluids and what counted as a fluid. Elena took extra time to consult with nutritionists, doctors etc and then sat with my mother and family members. She wrote out information, gave us information (printed) and had the nutritionist come talk with us.
Elena always had a smile on her face and was very compassionate. I ran into her in the parking lot (after her shift and after my mother was moved from 5th floor). She initiated conversation with me about how my mother was doing and then visited with Mom on another day after her shift was over. To Elena, nursing is not just a job. She appears to view it as an opportunity to REALLY help others and make them feel important, comfortable and cared for.