EVS caregiver helps a Spanish-speaking patient feel safe

Andrea Sosa Samuelian, an environmental services (EVS) tech at Intermountain Medical Center, is known for being friendly and helpful with every patient, no matter what their language or background. Recently, she got to know a Spanish-speaking patient at IMC’s coronary ICU. When the patient suddenly needed an emergency procedure, he asked his caregivers if Andrea could accompany him to the cath lab.

“This patient trusted Andrea and wanted her at his side while he was being moved,” says EVS supervisor Martha White. Martha clarified that Andrea wouldn’t be translating any medical terminology or processes, but that she was allowed to explain the movement as he was taken through the hospital.

Martha says Andrea helped this patient feel safe during a scary situation. “Andrea was able to explain things like, ‘We’re getting on the elevator, there’s going to be a bump,’ and ‘We’re in the cath lab now,’ and ‘They need to move you to this bed, etc.,’” says Martha.

Andrea says the patient was very thankful afterward. “These patients are often dealing with serious issues,” Andrea says. “I figure if I can be a friendly face during their stay or get them talking, it can make things a little better.”

“Andrea gets to know her patients and often makes personal connections with them,” says Martha. “It’s just her nature. We’re so fortunate to have her. She’d helped clean this patient’s room for several days and had built up a rapport and a friendly relationship.” 

Brad Rich, EVS manager says, “This type of situation happens a lot when we have Spanish-speaking patients. They bond with our Spanish-speaking EVS techs during their stay. We’ve had other situations where we’ve received thank you cards from families saying how much they appreciated our EVS techs and how they gave patients an opportunity to speak in their native language."

Martha says this isn’t the first time Andrea has gone above and beyond. At other times, when she knows a patient is waiting for a heart transplant, she’ll buy a pillow heart from the gift shop.

“People will cry and thank me,” Andrea says. “I’ll tell them I hope they can use the pillow if they have pain in their chest after surgery. They can microwave the pillow and put it on their heart for warmth. I have a lot of compassion for people. I want everyone to feel safe and comfortable while they’re here.”

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