Elizabeth Fitzsimons exhibits an excellent example providing great customer satisfaction. She took care of my sister (also an NCH nurse) in the NN ICU. She was her nurse almost the entire time and there are insufficient words to express gratitude from my family and self. Her care was supportive and compassionate. She made us feel comfortable in the care my sister was getting. She remained professional while at the same time keeping the ability to hug, support, listen, offer those words of comfort or even shed a tear with us. I know it can be difficult dealing or taking care of a fellow nurse or nurse’s family but she chose and requested to be my sister’s nurse through her final days.
The ventilator, all the IV drips and invasive lines and procedures didn’t frighten me but she was able to put our family and friends at ease. Even with my critical care background, when it comes to my own loved one, I look at the situation as family not as a nurse. She was able to explain things to me when I needed it. Her ability to balance professionalism and caring clearly promote good customer service. I could leave ICU for a break and feel my sister was receiving safe and competent care, as well as the respect and dignity which she deserved. Even as the prognosis grew grimmer Elizabeth didn’t let me lose hope because I wasn’t ready to face the inevitable decisions she knew I must face eventually. For this I will always appreciate all that she has done. She helped maintain dignity and privacy at all times and this meant more to me than anything, we will be forever grateful. To me, this is what I call customer service.
As a team player Elizabeth works extra shifts to help her division. She also floats to other departments without complaining. She works hard and maintains a positive attitude and never complains. A few years ago she was faced with her own physical challenges but continued to work without complaining. She is truly a team player. While taking care of Karen when asked to help others bath or turn she would always eagerly help and explaining I will be right back. She is a role model with her work ethic and portrays the caliber of nurse we should all strive for.

Elizabeth has been an ICU nurse for many years and her critical care knowledge is superb and her critical thinking skills are excellent. She remains calm in stressful situations and this puts patients and families at ease. She is a preceptor to new nurses and also orients new employees. She maintains all her credentials to work in critical care.



The loss of my sister was the worst thing that has ever happened to me. Anyone who knows me, knows my constant daily struggle I still have. Not only were we sisters but we were best friends. Each day as hope was waning Elizabeth took such good care of her and other members of my family. She made sure we took breaks and encouraged us to eat and rest. Even when I didn’t want to leave or was afraid that if I left something bad would happen, she promised me she would call and she did. She actually chose to be my sister’s nurse on her last day and remained with us for the last eight hours of her life. This was the hardest and longest day with the decision of terminate life support. I was so grateful to have such a loving and caring nurse there for all of us. She let all the family and friends stay the entire last day. Everyone was able to say good bye.

There is no way of expressing how fortunate we were to have Elizabeth as our nurse and NCH to have her on staff. My friends and family will be forever grateful. As my sister looks down from heaven as an angel, she is looking at Elizabeth an angel here on earth! Thank you Elizabeth- you deserve the DAISY Award.