Elisa Lopez
March 2022
Elisa
Lopez
,
RN, BSN
Solid Organ Transplant Unit
Nebraska Medicine
Omaha
,
NE
United States

 

 

 

Every morning when she entered the room, I breathed a sigh of relief that she would be the one caring for me that day.
While I was inpatient, Elisa was my nurse for 3 days on SOTU 5. She looked for ways to anticipate what I may need, offered her help generously, and always did so with such kindness and compassion. I have managed my central line care and most medical needs for my chronic illness from home for over 30 years. Going into the hospital takes much of that autonomy away. Elisa found ways for me to still have a voice in my care, consulted me as much as possible to give me options, and allowed me to be an active participant in my healing process. This spoke value to me and helped me feel more like myself each day. Every morning when she entered the room, I breathed a sigh of relief that she would be the one caring for me that day. I would even text my family with joy at 6:45 am to say, “we get Elisa again today!!” Elisa is competent in her nursing and truly showed that she cares for her patients. That combination of skill and heart is a beautiful thing. She embodies the UNMC mission of extraordinary patient care. It was a gift to have her as a part of my recovery.