As a previous volunteer for many years within Orlando Health pursuing my dream of medical school, I have had the most extraordinary opportunity to see when others display the utmost definition of selflessness regarding patient care. Looking back on my time spent on the neuroscience unit, a field of special interest to me, I am reminded of a nurse who most may only have the privilege to read about in past anecdotes of exceptional patient care. Adriana Garmendez was one of those exceptional nurses. Fresh out of nursing school, I was vastly impressed by Adriana's breath of knowledge towards pathophysiological concepts, clinical correlations, and patient care skills. A true leader, Adriana excelled at bringing the entire team together to provide the most comprehensive care for her patients. She would take time out of her very busy day to show anyone various ways to expand the patient experience and maximize the greatest level of comfort which even seemed to create a greater healing environment for her patients. Many times, I would be sitting at the nurse's station, hovering over call lights, and overhear family members express their sincere gratitude towards Adriana as she ensured her patients never went without and always felt like they were in the comfort of their homes although being in a hospital where conditions may not have been equal. This superb level of compassionate care really stuck with me and is a hallmark I now implement as I go through my medical education. Every procedure she performs is thoroughly planned and ensured that minimal error is achieved. As I began to take greater notice in Adriana's nursing practice, I observed that other nurses did the same. Soon, these other nurses were looking up to Adriana as peer support and a helping hand in times of need.
I have seen many nurses practice in my time at Orlando Health, but the talent and compassion that Adriana shows towards her patients cannot be taught in a classroom, nor learned by simple observation but by an inherent passion that is the hallmark of healthcare: a selfless reflection that gives gratefully when nothing can be given in return other than a simple thank you and spectacular patient recovery.