SXU Nursing Student's Compassion Makes Big Impact on Patient
Saint Xavier University (SXU) nursing students truly make a difference. Anais Torres, a junior nursing student, touched the life of patient Elmer Lucas so dearly with her kindness and compassion that he was inclined to pay her tuition for the spring 2022 semester.
During clinicals at Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital, Torres cared for Lucas, who was having a hard time getting comfortable in his hospital bed. Torres saw that he needed help and went above and beyond to make sure he was comfortable. She'd pop in continually to check up on him and how he was feeling.
"Anais is very considerate and takes heart to her patients. The more I thought about it, the more I thought she needed recognition. She went the extra mile for me and I wanted to do something for her. I called around to try and locate her and was thrilled when Charlene [Bermele, interim dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences] told me they found her," said Lucas.
Lucas, who was born and raised to give help when others need it and to be generous, was proud to help Torres advance in her studies. He is hopeful that his contribution to Torres's tuition will allow her to continue to do good with other patients and to eventually advance and become a registered nurse.
"It was very unexpected and I was shocked to receive the news. I am forever grateful for his kindness and generosity. I am thankful to have been given the opportunity to have impacted his stay," said Torres.
Torres was drawn to nursing since she was a little girl, as she has always loved caring for those around her and hoped to shape individuals' lives for the better and provide support through difficult times.
She finds that her classes at SXU are preparing her well for the nursing field, as she is given high-impact learning opportunities in the nursing simulation lab and the resources needed to expand her knowledge.
"I chose SXU because I've heard nothing but excellent things about the nursing program. I love what the school stands for and I appreciated that SXU is close to my home and affordable," said Torres.
Torres is a fan of the SXU core values, especially when it comes to compassion for her patients.
"I integrate the SXU core values into my interactions with patients by respecting all regardless of race, religion, gender or financial status. I integrate excellence and learning for life by educating myself to provide the best care possible. I am passionate about what I do and I always try my best to be supportive of patents," said Torres.
Torres is excited to continue her education and prepare herself for the NCLEX. In the future, she would like to work in pediatrics.