As director of case management at Memorial Regional Hospital South, Thais Azevedo is always focused on patient safety. It has been the primary motivation behind the restructuring of that department within the hospital. “There’s really nothing greater than caring for somebody and helping them improve their quality of life as that process unfolds in front of you,” she said.

Azevedo’s innovative approach has resulted in kudos from her supervisors and the development of systems and processes that have improved outcomes for patients and staff at the Hollywood facility, a 280-bed hospital that is home to the Memorial Rehabilitation Institute.

“I choose to become a nurse because I love helping others and the community,” said Azevedo. “There’s just something so special about taking care of other people and, for me personally, it’s fulfilling. It definitely feels like this is my purpose.”