My dad was admitted as a code stroke and transferred to the NEURO ICU unit. Even before I stepped foot in the room, Elsa was the first to greet me, introduce herself, and assure me she was his nurse. As an RN, I am used to treating patients and family members. As a patient’s family member, I was lost. Elsa was the utmost best nurse I’ve seen. She admitted she was new to the unit and was learning. We both took this as a learning opportunity. Me as a patient and her as his nurse. I never doubted her skills and knowledge along the way. We were blessed to have her.

Elsa did her rounds many times an hour. She was my dad’s advocate by calling doctors and departments for studies to be done. She was able to answer my questions. The moment I knew she was an angel sent to us was as physical therapy helped my father stand up for the first time. She whispered to me, “Be strong”. She worried about me as well. I appreciated that. My father had nothing but beautiful things to say. I could see it in her eyes that she was genuine and worried about him, as if he was her own family member. We will be eternally grateful for her.