Lisa Ortiz
April 2019
Lisa
Ortiz
,
RN
Emergency Department
Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Medical Center
Sacramento
,
CA
United States

 

 

 

I would like to recognize Lisa for kindness and compassion demonstrated for one of our patients who is a transgender child receiving care in our Emergency Department. He was on a 5150 hold after becoming depressed and suicidal when classmates made fun of him at school for being a girl but wanting to be a boy. He had been alone in a room in our department for many hours. He is a foster child; however, his foster parents had not come to visit. Lisa engaged him in conversation and asked him what he liked. Without telling anyone, on her break, she went to the store and bought him colored pencils, a notebook, a deck of cards, and McDonald's for lunch. He had told her he liked to draw, and that McDonald's was his favorite food. She taught him how to play a card game and made him feel like someone cared. Before the end of her shift, he gave her a picture he drew for her.
Lisa's actions were brought to my attention by her peer who told this story with tears in her eyes. We are so fortunate to have Lisa on our team. Her kindness, compassion, and actions are above and beyond. She truly positively impacted this child and I would like to recognize her for her exemplary work.
Wow, Lisa, your story of remarkable kindness is so inspiring and brought tears to my eyes as well. To make a difference in a child's life at a vulnerable moment, well, that is something really special. You have definitely Raised the Roof and provided the Best Care for every patient, every time.