As an oncology nurse navigator, Lisa exemplifies dedication to her role and her patients. She has devoted her life to caring for others, consistently addressing their concerns, advocating for their needs, and ensuring no detail is overlooked. Her follow-through is unmatched, and her compassion is evident in every interaction. Even with a demanding caseload, Lisa does her best to visit patients who are hospitalized, offering comfort, reassurance, and a familiar face when they need it most.

Lisa is the embodiment of selflessness and compassion. Whether it’s her patients, veterans, coworkers, or anyone in need of support, Lisa is always the first to step in and lend a hand. She recognizes and uplifts others without ever seeking recognition for herself. Giving, for her, is simply second nature.

She is always seeking ways to recognize others for their hard work and dedication, never missing an opportunity to celebrate a colleague's effort or a patient’s strength. This genuine appreciation she shows toward others fosters a sense of community, encouragement, and teamwork wherever she goes.

Lisa’s unwavering commitment and kindness make her not just an exceptional nurse, but an extraordinary human being.

Lisa Rodgers is such a wonderful person and nurse. We had a confused patient during a very busy clinic, and I could not properly meet the patient’s current needs. Lisa cheerfully stepped in and resolved the situation. She totally went out of her way. She is very special to the nursing profession.

While a patient was undergoing her infusion in the chemo suite, her granddaughter was present at the chairside and appeared visibly upset and tearful. Lisa engaged her in a supportive conversation to understand the cause of her distress. The granddaughter, a nursing student at the University of South Alabama, shared that she is feeling overwhelmed by the demands of her coursework, part-time employment, and caregiving responsibilities for her grandmother.

Lisa provided compassionate guidance and emotional support, drawing from her own experiences in nursing school to help normalize her feelings. She offered coping strategies and reassurance, which helped her feel heard, validated, and more focused. Lisa’s intervention was instrumental in calming her and providing her with a renewed sense of direction and emotional stability.

Lisa was assigned to a patient as her navigator. When the patient presented to the MCI clinic, Lisa introduced herself and explained her role as part of the patient’s treatment team.

During the medical visit, the patient shared that she needed to go to the Strada Center following her MCI appointment. The patient did not have transportation, was using a cane, and her daughter’s vehicle was not working that day. As a result, the patient had no way to travel to either Strada or Children’s & Women’s Hospital for additional required procedures.

Recognizing the patient’s vulnerability, Lisa personally escorted her to Strada, ensuring she safely arrived for her lab work. She then continued to escort the patient to the Children’s & Women’s Hospital so she could complete another necessary procedure.

While accompanying the patient, Lisa provided emotional support when the patient disclosed concerns about pain, her cancer diagnosis, and fears of suffering if her prognosis was poor. Lisa immediately consulted with the social worker and remained with the patient throughout the morning to ensure her safety and provide support while the social worker completed a mental health assessment. Before leaving, Lisa ensured the patient had access to all necessary resources.

Lisa went above and beyond, not only ensuring the patient’s physical safety by escorting her between facilities but also addressing her emotional and mental health needs during a moment of significant distress.

This is just one example of Lisa’s dedication to her patients. She also coordinated a Veterans’ Day celebration by decorating a table, providing snacks, and offering a commemorative pin to every veteran she encountered that week. She took time to express appreciation for their service and listened as they shared their stories.

For a patient, she provided a turkey to surprise him and allow additional food items for their family. She was unaware of the financial situation and did this without almost anyone knowing. The patient expressed gratitude to a “certain someone,” which is how the secret leaked. 

During the holiday season, Lisa decorated a table and provided snacks to patients as they entered the clinic, spreading holiday cheer and brightening their experience.

Her joy extended beyond patients as well. Lisa organized a holiday gesture for our security and maintenance staff by gathering a group together to share holiday spirit through stockings and T-shirts, helping to uplift morale and celebrate the season.

Lisa consistently demonstrates compassion, initiative, and a deep commitment to patient-centered care and team morale. Her actions truly embody the values of our organization.