Lisa Bencomo
January 2025
Lisa
Bencomo
,
BSN, RN
CTH Outpatient Clinic
The University of New Mexico Hospital
Albuquerque
,
NM
United States

 

 

 

They trust her, confide in her, seek her out, and will come to the clinic simply to give her a hug and say thank you for making the healthcare world just a little bit less scary for them.
Lisa is an amazing nurse and a human being. She is without a doubt, one of the kindest, and most genuinely caring individuals I've ever met. Lisa has always gone above and beyond in her duties, especially so for our Spanish-speaking patients. Lisa learned English as her second language, and with this special and unique background, Lisa has become not only a beloved and caring nurse, but a trusted advocate of our Spanish-speaking patients as a Certified Medical Interpreter as well. She has developed unbreakable bonds with our Spanish-speaking patients. They trust her, confide in her, seek her out, and will come to the clinic simply to give her a hug and say thank you for making the healthcare world just a little bit less scary for them. Recent events in the news and within our country have provoked fear and uncertainty for many of our Spanish-speaking patients, and questions have arisen as to whether they can continue to receive medical care in the United States. These fears have spread to patients within our communities here in New Mexico as well, and this was made evident in the voice of a mother who called the clinic in panic and tears, asking to speak with Lisa for guidance. Having a medically fragile child is terrifying for any mother, and to add in the distress and questions of the ability to receive medical care would be unbearable. Lisa took a moment to grieve and empathize with the family before calmly seeking out resources and the next steps to ensure that this child can continue to receive care at UNMH safely and without fear of repercussions for use of the healthcare system. Lisa deserves to be recognized for her care and compassion and for being a wonderful nurse. I look up to her as a nurse, and I hope she understands the pride the younger version of herself would have in who she is today.