Zelfa Montenegro
October 2023
Zelfa
Montenegro
,
RN
Neonatal Unit
Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Bradford
,
West Yorkshire
United Kingdom

 

 

 

Zelfa is a font of neonatal knowledge to all, she is incredibly approachable, always friendly, and so respected on the unit that consultants ask Zelfa what she thinks we should do on the ward round frequently.
Zelfa is a nurse who came to our NICU in Bradford from the Philippines in November 2002 and has given 21 years of loyal service to the trust, the unit, and the team. Over that time, Zelfa has cared for probably thousands of babies and always builds an amazing rapport with families. No one ever has a negative word to say, families love her sense of humor and also how honest and clear she can be in her communication. The amount of good Zelfa has done in her role is indescribable and we are so proud to have her as part of our team. Zelfa has supported so many students who are now senior nurses (me included) and her contribution to the NHS and NICU is incredible.

Zelfa is a font of neonatal knowledge to all, she is incredibly approachable, always friendly, and so respected on the unit that consultants ask Zelfa what she thinks we should do on the ward round frequently. Zelfa also has the courage to share her professional opinion at all levels in the interests of patient safety and advocacy.

Testament to the incredible skills and knowledge Zelfa possesses a term has been coined and is regularly used on the unit "Zelfa'd". This term is used to describe a baby on the unit whose cot space is in perfect, clean, and pristine condition, and the baby is incredibly well presented. Often heard on the unit from staff and parents alike are phrases such as "Wow, this baby has been Zelfa'd," or "Please can you Zelfa that baby?"

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Zelfa is a valuable member of the team, who without question works above and beyond. Her experience and commitment to nursing and care for babies and their families is to a high level of standard, knowledge, and skill. As a team member, Zelfa goes out of her way to help and support others so that care received for babies on the unit is quick and prompt. Zelfa without a doubt will challenge decisions and practice were appropriate, always putting the baby’s best interest at heart.

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Zelfa always makes sure we don’t lose sight of what’s important – putting the interests of babies first! She is a great advocate for her patients and a credit to her profession.

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Zelfa is an excellent nurse on the neonatal unit who receives many compliments from parents and is well-respected by her team. She has a way of connecting with parents and making personalized approaches to building relationships with families. Zelfa is extremely knowledgeable. She demonstrated great leadership and fellowship skills in times of crisis/challenges by maintaining a calm and positive attitude. Over the years, Zelfa has also nurtured and fostered the growth of many new staff members. It has been a great pleasure working alongside Zelfa!

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Zelfa has really high standards when caring for her patients and she treats the babies in her care with the utmost respect and kindness. I’ve heard many parents on the unit singing her praises! Words do not describe how important to the unit and our families Zelfa is.