TAIMA LOPEZ: SUPER MOM, SUPER NURSE, SUPER HUMAN!

written by Jen #supermom

Anyone who is a patient of South Slope Pediatrics is surely familiar with Taima Lopez, the most nurturing and kind nurse that greets us at our appointments.  Whether it be weighing our babies or administering those dreadful shots, she does it all with a smile while keeping our nerves at bay.  Her genuine compassionate nature and strong work ethic make her such an invaluable part of our practice.   Lets get to know her a bit more in this month’s interview!


SSP: We all know you as the most gentle and caring nurse at South Slope Pediatrics.  Can you share a little more about yourself and your family?
I am a nurse at South Slope Pediatrics. I consider myself to be a self-motivated and compassionate person. I have 3 kids: my oldest is 19, my second youngest is 13, and my baby is 19 months.


SSP: Can you tell us about your job and what you do?
My job here at SSP is to obtain and document vitals, do eye and hearing exams, and lead and hemoglobin tests on the children. I obtain basic patient information and transmit this information via an electronic medical record for the doctor to perform his medical assessments.


SSP: How long have you been at the practice?  What were you doing before coming to SSP?
I have been with South Slope Pediatrics since 2013.  Before coming to SSP I worked in a private school, training nursing students.


SSP: What led you into the medical field and why did you decide to become a nurse?
What led me to this field is that I enjoy helping people in need. This is my biggest satisfaction.


SSP: What interests you most about nursing?
What interests me most about nursing is how a simple act of kindness can make a change in someone’s day.  For example,  just holding a persons hand and letting them know it’s going to be OK.  Just being there for them makes a difference.


SSP: What is the most challenging part of your job?  Why?
The most challenging part of my job is vaccinating children. At the moment of injection it is painful for them.  They don’t why we are doing it and that it’s for their own benefit.


SSP: Do you have a special experience that has helped shape you as a nurse?
My special experience  that has helped me as a nurse is having kids of my own. I can relate to parents and their concerns.


SSP: You are always smiling.  You are full of positive energy and it helps each of our little ones (and us parents) when we have to come in for shots.   What’s the secret??? 🙂
My secret is that I enjoy and LOVE what I do and knowing it’s for a good cause. My positive attitude I thank God for.  My kids and my family are my inspiration, my strongest motivation to strive for continuous improvement. Also, working with Dr. Cao, Matteo, Dr. Wilson-Taylor and the whole South Slope Pediatrics team has been a very rewarding experience, one which has promoted professional growth.