Gipssy Figueroa Espinoza
August 2024
Gipssy
Figueroa Espinoza
,
BSN, RN
4M ICU
LA General Medical Center
Los Angeles
,
CA
United States
Nurse Gipssy made me feel comfortable like we were buddies, and never hesitated to ask if I needed anything. She was so passionate about giving quality care and answering my questions. I would look forward to every time she popped in to ask how I was, and she always made my day.
I had a stroke while traveling in LA, had just turned 33, and had no known health conditions or unhealthy habits. I was sent to the ICU for 8 days. My first half was in the Neurological ICU and the second half was in the Cardiovascular ICU. As scary as the first half was, the second half was even scarier, with the doctors scrambling to figure out why this happened to me. There were many ups and downs (mostly downs), updates, and exams one after another.
It was so serendipitous to meet Nurse Gipssy. She was my nurse for most of my time in the Cardio ICU. I had never been to a hospital, let alone have one of life's most serious medical incidents at an unexpected age, thousands of miles away from my home state and in an ICU. Nurse Gipssy made me feel comfortable like we were buddies, and never hesitated to ask if I needed anything. She was so passionate about giving quality care and answering my questions. I would look forward to every time she popped in to ask how I was, and she always made my day. I was always sad to see her go at the end of her day shift (but of course, one must sleep and rest!) and looked forward to her return in the morning. It was one of the darkest times of my life, and I was so glad to have her there as a positive presence.
Sometimes, we would talk about medical topics, and she would share her knowledge of how a certain medical device worked or why the human body responded in a certain way. Believe me, it is hard to get me to talk about, let alone be interested in, medical chat as I have always had a fear of going to the doctor and anything medical-related. Nurse Gipssy is the first person who actually made me interested in talking about health. She helped show me that not all medical professionals are matter-of-fact, believe patients are just something (not someone) that needs to be treated or are out to poke and prod you. She changed (along with the LA General Hospital staff) that perspective, and I am forever grateful for that (I still do not like needles though... but less now).
I asked her when I did my first walk around the hospital floor why she became a nurse, and she said she loved medicine and working with patients to better their health. She told me she was initially going to become a doctor, but when she talked to someone about how she wanted to work with patients, that person told her she should become a nurse. Whoever told her that was right! Some people are good at what they do, some people like what they do, and some people are just born to do it. I hope Nurse Gipssy becomes a nurse leader who mentors other nurses in compassionate and quality care. I will forever remember her impact on my morale at the hospital and my positive perspective on healthcare. As I type all this, I remember fondly of my hospital experience because of her. I feel so lucky and grateful that I had her there.
***
I am so proud that we are here today to celebrate Gipssy’s remarkable achievements and dedication to her patients and her coworkers. I am honored to work with Gipssy and to be able to recognize her hard work, commitment, and contribution to the unit and LA General.
Gipssy transferred from our ED department to our Cardiac ICU in October 2023. She was in Cohort 5 and became an ICU nurse in July 2024.
While with us, she has demonstrated extraordinary professionalism and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her collaborative spirit displays what it means to be a team player. She sets a standard of excellence for all to follow, and her effort to work together as a team fosters a culture of safety and an enhanced, healthy work environment.
She inspires others and myself. Gipssy represents our organization's core values. Her integrity, compassion, and respect for all have inspired me and other colleagues. She works hard and demonstrates kindness and calmness, which we need to function in a hectic environment.
As we honor Gipssy today, let us all be reminded of the impact of Gipssy’s dedication and passion on the patients and families we care for, our coworkers, and our organization.
Congratulations and a heartfelt thanks to you, Gipssy. Your achievements and character are a testament to our values. We look forward to your continued success and contributions.
It was so serendipitous to meet Nurse Gipssy. She was my nurse for most of my time in the Cardio ICU. I had never been to a hospital, let alone have one of life's most serious medical incidents at an unexpected age, thousands of miles away from my home state and in an ICU. Nurse Gipssy made me feel comfortable like we were buddies, and never hesitated to ask if I needed anything. She was so passionate about giving quality care and answering my questions. I would look forward to every time she popped in to ask how I was, and she always made my day. I was always sad to see her go at the end of her day shift (but of course, one must sleep and rest!) and looked forward to her return in the morning. It was one of the darkest times of my life, and I was so glad to have her there as a positive presence.
Sometimes, we would talk about medical topics, and she would share her knowledge of how a certain medical device worked or why the human body responded in a certain way. Believe me, it is hard to get me to talk about, let alone be interested in, medical chat as I have always had a fear of going to the doctor and anything medical-related. Nurse Gipssy is the first person who actually made me interested in talking about health. She helped show me that not all medical professionals are matter-of-fact, believe patients are just something (not someone) that needs to be treated or are out to poke and prod you. She changed (along with the LA General Hospital staff) that perspective, and I am forever grateful for that (I still do not like needles though... but less now).
I asked her when I did my first walk around the hospital floor why she became a nurse, and she said she loved medicine and working with patients to better their health. She told me she was initially going to become a doctor, but when she talked to someone about how she wanted to work with patients, that person told her she should become a nurse. Whoever told her that was right! Some people are good at what they do, some people like what they do, and some people are just born to do it. I hope Nurse Gipssy becomes a nurse leader who mentors other nurses in compassionate and quality care. I will forever remember her impact on my morale at the hospital and my positive perspective on healthcare. As I type all this, I remember fondly of my hospital experience because of her. I feel so lucky and grateful that I had her there.
***
I am so proud that we are here today to celebrate Gipssy’s remarkable achievements and dedication to her patients and her coworkers. I am honored to work with Gipssy and to be able to recognize her hard work, commitment, and contribution to the unit and LA General.
Gipssy transferred from our ED department to our Cardiac ICU in October 2023. She was in Cohort 5 and became an ICU nurse in July 2024.
While with us, she has demonstrated extraordinary professionalism and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her collaborative spirit displays what it means to be a team player. She sets a standard of excellence for all to follow, and her effort to work together as a team fosters a culture of safety and an enhanced, healthy work environment.
She inspires others and myself. Gipssy represents our organization's core values. Her integrity, compassion, and respect for all have inspired me and other colleagues. She works hard and demonstrates kindness and calmness, which we need to function in a hectic environment.
As we honor Gipssy today, let us all be reminded of the impact of Gipssy’s dedication and passion on the patients and families we care for, our coworkers, and our organization.
Congratulations and a heartfelt thanks to you, Gipssy. Your achievements and character are a testament to our values. We look forward to your continued success and contributions.