May 2025
Lillian
Rogalla
,
RN
VNA
Corewell Health Home Care West
Grand Rapids
,
MI
United States
Lily combines her well-developed technical skills with strong people skills.
Lillian (“Lily”) was my home health visiting nurse following my recent open-heart surgery. She was warm, friendly, and personable, and in spite of her relatively young age, she was also competent, credible, and professional. She was very patient and took all my questions seriously. One might think that I, as a 74-year-old male, would feel awkward discussing personal issues related to my aging and surgically impaired body with a young woman, but her style and demeanor entirely removed any awkwardness. It felt more like two biology majors (which we both were) having an easy discussion of our shared interests. At one point, I must have been mildly grumbling about the need to walk each day. With her gentle sense of humor and without any trace of judgment or sarcasm, Lily got me to adjust my attitude and lean into it. That skill lies at the heart of excellent teaching, parenting, employee management, diplomacy…and apparently, nursing. In short, Lily combines her well-developed technical skills with strong people skills. As a patient, I can’t imagine having a better-matched caretaker. And as a longtime manager, I would be thrilled to have Lily on my team in any situation.