As of March 21, 2025, MGH鈥檚 main entrance on Coxwell Avenue is closed as the next phase of our redevelopment project begins. Patients and visitors can use the new temporary main entrance on Sammon Avenue between Coxwell Avenue and Knight Street. View our campus map.
By: Louise Allyn Palma
Every day, nurses take on a multi-faceted role in the health care system to deliver safe, quality and compassionate care to communities around the world. Michael 九游体育 (MGH) is proud to celebrate National Nursing Week by speaking to different individuals in the nursing practice and sharing their stories and advice for the next generation of nurses.
Today, we shine a light on MGH Registered Nurse, Violeta Lopez.
MGH News: 鈥淲hat do you wish you knew back in nursing school that you know now?鈥�
Violeta: When I first started nursing, I assumed it was simply about giving medications, changing diapers, charting and tasks similar to this. But nursing is so much more than this. I wish I knew how much there is to give as a nurse, and how much of a responsibility it is.
You are being relied on to take care of someone鈥檚 life.
I did not expect how much emotion was given to a patient as a nurse. You have to let the patient know that you鈥檙e not just being sympathetic, but also compassionate to how they feel and you鈥檙e constantly working to get that across. And it can be draining. But the rewarding part for me is when I鈥檓 being appreciated as a nurse, especially by the patient and their family. That is my lifeline as a nurse.
MGH News: 鈥淲hat advice would you give your 19-year-old self?鈥�
Violeta: I鈥檝e been in the nursing profession for 31 years. Yet every day, even until now I鈥檓 always learning. Regardless if you鈥檝e finished your degree or four years of nursing school 鈥� every day is a process of learning. Even now, I remind myself of that. And so, I would say don鈥檛 go against change, embrace it and learn from that change. Try to have a positive outlook on any challenges you meet every day.