Eliana Zwanziger
January 2025
Eliana
Zwanziger
,
BSN, RN
WDM Emergency Department
MercyOne Des Moines
Des Moines
,
IA
United States

 

 

 

She had a meaningful heart-to-heart conversation with them, which they credited with saving their life and setting them on a path of personal transformation.
A grateful patient stopped by the department and asked the supervisor to recognize Eliana Zwanziger for her exceptional care and compassion during two pivotal moments in their life. The first time the patient met Eliana, they were experiencing a heart attack without realizing it. Eliana's kindness and professionalism stood out as she delivered exceptional care. The patient also thanked the entire team for their outstanding support that evening. A month later, the patient returned to the ED and was cared for again by Eliana. This visit was particularly significant, as the patient was struggling with suicidal thoughts, compounded by family issues, job stress, and a history of alcohol dependency. Despite the challenging circumstances, Eliana remembered the patient and treated them with remarkable empathy and understanding. The patient admitted they weren't always easy to care for, yet Eliana remained calm, nonjudgmental, and supportive throughout their stay. When tensions arose during a telepsych evaluation, Eliana's compassionate demeanor de-escalated the situation. She had a meaningful heart-to-heart conversation with them, which they credited with saving their life and setting them on a path of personal transformation. After their time in the ED, the patient reconnected with their family, took steps to address their substance use, and made a commitment to sobriety. They attribute these positive changes to Eliana's care and compassion, stating, "Without her, I may not be where I am today." Eliana's extraordinary dedication exemplifies the values of nursing and has left a lasting impact on this patient's life.