Leizel May D Estrada, RN RM, is currently designated as Assistant Operating Room Nurse and Assistant Head Nurse of the Emergency Room at Camp Evangelista Station. In the high-pressure OR environment, she stands out not only for clinical excellence but also for an unwavering commitment to patient advocacy.

She brings an unmatched level of compassion and focus to every case, ensuring that even in the most complex and urgent surgeries, the patient’s dignity and safety remain the top priority. She goes on uncompensated overtime just to share her expertise in the field, yet no one can hear her complaint about how tiring her job is.

One particular moment that exemplifies Ms Estrada’s impact occurred during a critical, unexpected trauma surgery. With the surgical team facing unforeseen complications, Ms Estrada demonstrated calm leadership, anticipating needs, maintaining a sterile and organized environment, and offering critical support to both the surgeons and anesthesia team. Because of her vigilance and quick decision-making, the surgical team was able to stabilize the patient and achieve a successful outcome. She is the most requested OR Nurse of the surgeons and the only one allowed to communicate with these surgeons and an anesthesiologist.

Beyond the OR table, Ms Estrada continually mentors new nurses, advocates improvements in surgical workflows, and inspires the team with her genuine love not just for perioperative nursing. Patients may never see the face behind the surgical drape, but they feel the difference made by Ms Estrada's compassionate care.