
Erika Alvarez
December 2024
Erika
Alvarez
,
BSN, RN
NICU
St. Joseph's Children's Hospital
Tampa
,
FL
United States
In addition to her patient's binder, this nurse has also made sure that everyone who cares for this patient is well informed of his routine, as she has created a thorough list at the bedside of his likes and dislikes to ensure continuity of care between shifts.
While there are many talented and dedicated healthcare professionals throughout the BayCare organization, there is one team member who stands out above the rest here in the NICU at SJWH. This person is Erika Alvarez. For the last several months, Erika has been the primary nurse for one of our long-term patients. Throughout this time, she has dedicated herself to his care by participating in weekly care meetings with his interdisciplinary care team and has created a detail-oriented discharge binder for his family. The binder provides information about his health history, important information regarding his care providers, medications, durable medical equipment, amongst other vital information that will be imperative to his wellbeing upon discharge. In addition to her patient's binder, this nurse has also made sure that everyone who cares for this patient is well informed of his routine, as she has created a thorough list at the bedside of his likes and dislikes to ensure continuity of care between shifts. As her patient prepares for discharge, Erika has also taken the time to connect with the family and has encouraged them to participate in his care, so they feel empowered and prepared to care for him at home. Erika not only represents BayCare's values but also demonstrates how to provide holistic care that encompasses her patients' medical, developmental, and familial needs. Her compassion, knowledge, and ability to advocate for her patient are what have allowed him to get to where he is today. Thank you for showing us all what humanity at work looks like.