More than 30 years ago, Neelam Shrestha, BSN, RN, immigrated from Nepal to Wisconsin with the dream of becoming a nurse. After finishing one year of English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, she attended nursing school. Despite the hardship and struggles she went through due to the language barrier; she stayed focused on her studies and persevered. Neelam graduated in 1995, all while seven months pregnant with her second child. At the start of her nursing career, she worked in a variety of positions, until her dream job became available at UW Health in 2003. Neelam loves being able to make an impact on her patients. She says, “I try to be the best nurse I can be every single day. I strongly believe that the genuine care I provide for each unique patient is what sets me apart. I prioritize establishing a therapeutic relationship with my patients and take time to get to know them as a human being, and not just a patient in the hospital. I make sure that I always listen empathetically to my patients and provide care with dignity and respect. By doing this, I can cater to each of my patient’s individualized needs.” In 2013, Neelam transferred to the inpatient psychiatric unit at University Hospital. She says, “It can be difficult to establish a therapeutic relationship with a patient that may have a history of trauma or distrust in the healthcare system, but I have found it extremely motivating to connect with these patients and provide a safe space for them to begin to heal and recover. I feel like I can truly make a difference in not just the patient’s hospital stay, but also in their life overall.” Neelam’s remarkable care truly shines through with each patient interaction. She recently received the DAISY Award for demonstrating extraordinary compassion for patients and their families. Throughout her career at UW Health, she has received more than 500 DAISY Award nominations! Congratulations! You are amazing and we’re lucky to have you on our team! 🎉
Neelam, I am sooo honored to have met you and got to know you!!! I still cherish the bookmark you made me! Congratulations…. 🥰
More than 500 nominations?! Wow! What a blessing to have you in the community!
Nurse Recruiter at UW Health Hospitals & Clinics
1moCongratulations Neelam! I had goosebumps reading your story. Thank you for being the epitome of REMARKABLE!