Marlene Pulido
May 2025
Marlene
Pulido
,
ADN, BSN (C), RN, OCN
4 North
Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center
Los Angeles
,
CA
United States
Throughout my stay, Marlene became my advocate, ensuring that my needs were met and communicating on my behalf when I struggled.
This was my second battle with oral cancer, and the tumor had grown significantly, being twice the size it had been previously. The surgery involved the removal of part of my tongue, a graft taken from my left arm for reconstruction, and a neck dissection to remove all of the lymph nodes on the right side of my neck. I spent several days in the ICU, where I encountered several challenges, including severe difficulty swallowing due to large mucus blocks, which caused frequent gagging and vomiting. Despite voicing my concerns to the ICU doctors and nurses, I was reassured that it was just saliva and would resolve on its own. Additionally, I experienced persistent diarrhea from the tube-feeding formula, which worsened and began to cause bleeding, though I was again assured by the staff that I would be fine. One evening, I was transferred to the 4N Oncology unit, where I was cared for by a truly exceptional nurse, Marlene Pulido, RN. From the moment I met Marlene, I was struck by her warmth, patience, and genuine kindness. She listened attentively to my concerns, and despite my tendency to write out my questions, she was always understanding, allowing me the time I needed to communicate. One evening, during a walk, I was overcome with gagging and vomiting due to the phlegm build-up.
Marlene immediately addressed the issue with the Physician's Assistant, and a saline spray was prescribed to help manage it. She also adjusted my formula to alleviate the worsening diarrhea. Throughout my stay, Marlene became my advocate, ensuring that my needs were met and communicating on my behalf when I struggled. In addition to her clinical expertise, Marlene took the time to connect with me on a personal level, engaging in uplifting conversations about family and hobbies and offering continual encouragement to stay positive. Another nurse rotated the following day, and I saw her only for routine checks and no small talk, which made me appreciate even more how truly special Marlene’s care was. On my discharge day, I was overjoyed that Marlene had returned to help with my aftercare instructions. She ensured I fully understood my medication regimen, feeding plan, and what to expect moving forward. She went above and beyond to make sure I was prepared and supported before I left the hospital. While I was eager to leave the hospital, I couldn’t help but feel sad knowing I wouldn’t be able to enjoy her bright and caring presence any longer. Marlene’s exceptional compassion, empathy, and dedication to her patients make her a deserving candidate for the DAISY Award. She is a truly remarkable nurse who embodies the best qualities of healthcare professionals.