By Lisa Schaffer, BSN, RN, CIC, CRRN, CCM
I became a nurse because of how deeply meaningful personal connections have always felt to me. In high school, I volunteered as a candy striper at our local community hospital, and it was there that I first realized the profound impact nurses have on the lives of their patients. I didn’t just enjoy the hospital environment — I thrived in it. I loved the feeling that came from connecting with patients on a personal level. It felt natural, purposeful, and deeply fulfilling. I truly believe I was born to be a nurse. I’ve never been able to separate my “personal” self from my “nursing” self; the nurse in me doesn’t turn on or off with the clock. Like many nurses, I find myself assessing people everywhere — in checkout lines, waiting rooms, restaurants — because caring is simply part of who I am.
I learned the fundamentals of nursing more than thirty years ago when I first stepped onto a medical‑surgical unit as a student. Nurses begin each shift with an organized plan of care, but nursing quickly teaches you the importance of flexibility and constant reassessment. No matter how well the day is planned, it is inevitable that those plans will change in response to the evolving needs of the patients.
Over the years, I’ve come to believe wholeheartedly that meaningful connections have a powerful impact on patient recovery. Many nurses don’t realize that even the small amount of time they spend with a patient can leave a lasting impression on both of their lives. I consider myself fortunate — throughout my career, I’ve experienced several deeply meaningful connections that have shaped who I am as a nurse.
Let’s take a closer look at what meaningful connection truly is. Imagine yourself in the following scenario: a patient arrives in the emergency room with abdominal discomfort and undergoes a CT scan. The results reveal a peri‑rectal mass of unknown origin. In that instant, the patient’s world changes. Thoughts begin to swirl: What is happening to me? Do I have cancer? Am I going to die? What will happen to my family?
After additional imaging, lab work, consultations, difficult conversations, tears, and sleepless nights, the patient undergoes life‑altering surgery. When they wake in the recovery room, they learn that the laparoscopic procedure was more complicated than expected, and a temporary ileostomy had to be created. Although the ileostomy was unexpected, the patient begins to process the news: it’s temporary, it can be reversed, and with the support of nurses, physicians, and ostomy specialists, it’s something they can manage. And then comes the most important news of all — the biopsy results show that the patient does not have cancer.
But the journey doesn’t end there. Post‑operative complications lead to another surgery just one week later. This time, the procedure is emergent, requiring an open abdomen and resulting in a permanent colostomy. The patient and family are pushed beyond their limits, overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty. Their minds race: How are we going to cope with this? How long will recovery take? What does this mean for our relationship? How will this change the rest of my life?
If you are like me, reading this scenario brings to mind many possible responses — and sometimes, the realization that saying nothing at all is the most compassionate choice. Simply being present can be exactly what the patient needs. Quietly holding someone’s hand or offering a tissue as their eyes fill with tears can speak louder than any words. When appropriate, sharing a personal experience that relates to what the patient is facing can also be incredibly meaningful. These moments of connection can have a profound impact on both the patient and the nurse.
Throughout my career, the connections I’ve made with patients are ones I will never forget. I look forward to continuing to build meaningful connections — not only with my patients, but with everyone whose life I have the privilege to touch. Nursing has shaped me, transforming me from a shy young woman into a confident, compassionate professional.
I’ve also had my own personal medical experiences, and being a patient has given me a perspective you simply cannot learn in nursing school. That perspective has made me a better nurse — one who can form genuine, meaningful connections with patients. Nothing has been more impactful in my career than experiencing what it feels like to be “on the wrong side of the bed.”
If you’re wondering about the patient in the scenario, she is thriving. She has learned to cope with her “new” self and continues to seek meaningful connections with others. How do I know this? Because I am not only the nurse — I am the patient.
Mission Ready continues this Saturday.
Join CMSA for the second live day of Virtual MVD Days, with four more sessions focused on the complex realities of military and Veteran-connected case management.
November 7 | Virtual
Live + on demand
Recordings through February 1
There's still time to join us: https://bit.ly/4hcPcfX
Bio: Lisa brings over 30 years of diverse nursing experience and a deep commitment to patient advocacy. Her clinical background includes roles in medical-surgical nursing, intermediate care nursing, burn unit nursing, private duty nursing, charge nurse responsibilities, and volunteer service as a camp nurse. Following her time in bedside care, Lisa pursued further education and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). She holds professional certifications in Infection Control (CIC), Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) and Certified Case Manager (CCM) and has actively contributed to numerous interdisciplinary teams focused on Performance Improvement, Quality Assurance, Education, Survey Readiness, Hazardous Materials, and Emergency Preparedness. Lisa played a key role in the development of Nevada’s original Inter-Facility Infection Control Transfer Form, an experience that underscored the critical importance of collaboration beyond individual healthcare facilities. In 2025, Lisa received two awards related to her role as a case manager, Excellence in Nursing 2025 (Case Management Category) presented by The Arc of Nevada and 2025 Excellence in Nursing – Women & Leadership (Case Management Category) presented by Las Vegas Healthcare and Vegas Heals. Her professional goals include fostering networking and collaboration among Case Managers, Social Workers and the many community resources available in Southern Nevada.