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Visiting Nurse Makes a Difference Every Day Through Compassionate Care 

When Domingo Luna was referred to VNA Care after an above-the-knee leg amputation, his paperwork read, “Must have Elia.”

There was no one he trusted more than Elia Borges, RN, to help him recover from such life-changing surgery. A registered nurse with VNA Care for nearly a decade, Elia’s sharp clinical skills had quite possibly saved Domingo’s life just weeks before.

Domingo had returned home after vascular surgery in need of wound care, one of VNA Care’s clinical areas of excellence. He appreciated that Elia, who had cared for his mother, would now support his recovery. No matter how unpleasant he found his weeping wounds, Elia never made him feel self-conscious. She treated him with respect and was just as concerned about his emotional well-being as she was his physical health.

In the coming weeks, the wounds only grew worse, severely impacting Domingo’s quality of life. Elia served as his advocate with the surgeon and was able to have him evaluated before the situation grew even more dire. Domingo would need the amputation or risk losing his life to infection. When Domingo finally returned home after his surgery, he had Elia in his corner once again.

Elia’s passion for nursing and dedication to her patients are among the reasons she’s one of VNA Care’s Thanks for Caring Society honorees. This group of clinicians have been recognized through a charitable gift for the impact they’ve made on a patient’s or family’s life.

“It’s such an honor that a patient or family member would make a donation in my name. I’m humbled by their generosity,” said Elia.

Nursing is in Elia’s genes. Her grandmother was a visiting nurse in Portugal, and her mother, aunts, and uncle all pursued nursing careers. Elia knew from a young age that she wanted to work in a field where she could care for others. Initially, she became a medical assistant in a doctor’s office. The physician mentored Elia and encouraged her to go to nursing school. After graduation, she gained nursing experience at a rehabilitation facility. Once she saw the impact a visiting nurse from VNA Care had for her family member in need of post-surgical care, Elia felt drawn to home health care and this organization. Now, she can’t imagine ever working anywhere else.

Elia said, “As a visiting nurse, you get to know your patients on a different level, unlike at a hospital where you just see people for a few days. You build relationships with your patients and their families. You provide a deeper sense of care, a different kind of care that’s not just medical care but very personal.”

Elia appreciates being able to draw on the expertise of her colleagues and work in collaboration with physical, occupational, and speech therapists; medical social workers; nurse specialists; nutritionists; and other providers to ensure her patients receive a comprehensive approach to care.

She remembered one elderly couple who wanted nothing more than to remain in the home where they raised their family, yet the husband’s congestive heart failure diagnosis appeared to put their wish in jeopardy. The husband was very weak, and could no longer climb the stairs that led to their bedroom and shower.

Elia shared how the team came together to help this couple remain independent in the home they loved so much. Elia focused on helping her patient learn how to manage his chronic condition. The team’s physical therapist concentrated on exercises to rebuild the patient’s strength, and the occupational therapist helped the patient improve his ability to perform everyday activities. The social worker met with the couple to assess their needs for resources and services that would help them achieve their goal. The plan included linkage to an organization that would install a stairlift, giving the patient safe access to his entire home.

Helping people like these remain independent at home is incredibly rewarding.

Elia said, “I love being a visiting nurse. I tell all of my patients that I am so lucky to be part of the best team. I really enjoy working for VNA Care.”