PASSION: Passion is not a means to an end, but an end in itself. Passion comes from the spirit. It needs no engagement of person of thing. The passion which I describe is made abundantly clear in the efforts—the continuing, ongoing daily efforts of Ms. Rivera. A need, a question, a concern, a comment—something on the mind—the patient rarely has access to an almost instantaneous source of professional help. It is not the world of today, but it is in the world of Christine Rivera, RN. Since electing to not visit the hospital for reasons related to COVID transmission, email has become the primary method of communication between Ms. Rivera and myself. I do not remember her prior to COVID. I met her only during the routine physical on August 19, however, she has been simply magnificent in her continuing attention to all of my concerns. Imagine superb care full of passion while never having met nor known the patient, this is raw passion which should be rewarded.
EMPATHY: Asking, then receiving, with understanding. All through email. Questions which are answered within one day, networking with various departments in my behalf, relaying and cross-referencing information which was requested above and beyond that considered ‘the norm.’ Ms. Rivera, I applaud your empathy. Thank you.
TRUST: I trust Ms. Rivera’s judgment and have never questioned the information provided. Why? The information is concise, it is accurate, it is backed by sources she has tapped into, it is rapid and lastly, it is thorough. Nursing does not get any better than this.
ADMIRABLE ATTRIBUTES: The pleasant tone exhibited in emails, the congenial disposition during a face-to-face visit, and the contentment which Ms. Rivera exhibits are those that should be taught to all nursing students. Christine Rivera, RN, you are a great asset to Delta clinic patients and to the Long Beach VA Hospital. “Show yourself off” to your contemporaries- it will do the hospital staff a world of good!
LOVE OF PROFESSION: This is exhibited in the energy and demeanor or Ms. Rivera. I would encourage staff members to interview Christine Rivera, and then to immediately discover the heightened excitement for both profession and patient that fills the space of the meeting room. One comment made by email will sum up the central thought. I apologized for having asked several things of Ms. Rivera, prior to my most recent routine physical. The response made me pause: “I am your nurse.” Think of that simple, clear, concise, direct statement, “I am your nurse.” I feel personally so lucky to have a professional like Ms. Christine Rivera by my side, “I am your nurse.” And so I say, thank you Christine. Thank you for being my nurse.
SELFLESSNESS: Christine is a person who has shown selflessness to me on many occasions. I have described just a few examples in this short memo. Selflessness is shown as a backdrop to passion, empathy, admirable attributes, love of work, and patient and daily demeanor. Ms. Christine Rivera, do not lose what you have as the years move forward. Keep what you have. You are the best at what you do. Thank you for having helped me!