Liz Syme, CNA, receives Sunrise Award

Congratulations to Liz Syme, the winner of the Sunrise Award here at NNRH! Liz works as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in our Acute Care Services Department. She was nominated for this award by the daughter-in-law of one of our patients. Here’s what this individual wrote about Liz…

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Testimonial

Liz demonstrated extraordinary compassion, attentiveness, and clinical intuition that made a life-saving difference for my father-in-law. While working her shift at NNRH, Liz happened to be nearby when my father-in-law was struggling to breathe and unable to effectively communicate his distress due to a language barrier. Rather than walking past or assuming someone else would intervene, Liz took the time to listen. She recognized that something was seriously wrong and made the critical decision to alert the rapid response team. It was later discovered that my father-in-law’s lungs had filled with fluid. Liz’s swift action ensured he received the care he needed, and he firmly believes she saved his life. 

What makes Liz’s actions even more remarkable is the empathy she showed beyond the moment of crisis. The following day, Liz visited my father-in-law in the ICU simply to say hello and check on how he was feeling. That small gesture meant the world to our family and speaks volumes about her character. It’s not easy to speak up, especially when it means going above the chain of command. But Liz did so with courage and grace. Her decision was not only medically sound; it reflected exceptional care and moral courage. Liz exemplifies what it means to be a caregiver: present, perceptive, and profoundly kind.

We wholeheartedly nominate Elizabeth Syme for the Sunrise Award. Her compassion, quick thinking, and willingness to advocate for a patient in need all reflect the highest standards of care and integrity.

We can all agree that Liz is very deserving of this award. She consistently brightens the lives of all those around her, patients and co-workers alike. Congratulations, Liz!