Liz Elliott’s path to becoming a nurse was shaped by resilience, love, and a deep-seated desire to improve healthcare. Her story is one of dedication—both to her patients and to the hospital that gave her the opportunity to fulfill her dream to make a lasting impact through nursing. Now, as a respected nurse at Sutter’s Mills-Peninsula Medical Center (MPMC) and a key figure in patient care initiatives, she has been recognized as Sutter Health’s 2021 Nurse of the Year, a well-earned honor that reflects her lifelong commitment to making a difference.
A Life-Changing Responsibility at 16
Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Elliot was an inquisitive and active child, excelling in both academics and sports. But her life took a dramatic turn at 16 when her family asked her to care for her ailing grandmother, who was battling cancer.
“At that time, I had many hesitations,” she admits. “But living with my grandmother changed my perspective. I got to know a woman I hadn’t really understood before. It was tough, but it shaped me. It made me want to change healthcare—not just for my grandma, but for everyone.”
In a country where access to medication required multiple daily trips to the hospital, Elliott quickly learned the realities of patient care. She took it upon herself to learn how to administer IVs and injections, ensuring her grandmother had the pain relief she needed. The experience left a lasting impression and steered her toward a career in healthcare.
From Midwifery to Nursing
Initially, Elliott pursued midwifery in Peru, delivering over a thousand babies in just one year of practice. But something still felt incomplete. Encouraged by her father, who had moved to the United States, she took a leap of faith and immigrated, hoping to translate her passion into a nursing career.
Some international healthcare workers transitioning into the United States face language barriers, which can hinder effective communication with patients and colleagues. They also must adapt to different medical systems, with varying protocols, technology, and documentation standards, which may require significant training. Additionally, they need to familiarize themselves with the U.S. healthcare system’s medications, procedures, and insurance structures, which can differ greatly from those in their home countries.
Despite facing challenges during her move, Elliott thrived. She excelled in her nursing studies and, in what she calls a stroke of fate, found a job at MPMC while still a student. Mills-Peninsula Medical Center recognized her potential and provided her with the support and resources to build her career in the U.S.
“It was more than just a job,” she said. “It was an opportunity to contribute my skills, passion, and love for caregiving. That’s why I’ve stayed here for 21 years. I wanted to give back.”
Making an Impact: Leading Change in Patient Care
Elliott’s commitment to patient well-being extends beyond bedside care. She has become a leader in quality improvement initiatives, spearheading efforts to enhance patient safety and outcomes.
One of her most impactful projects began in 2018, when she was selected to lead a hospital-wide initiative to reduce non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia. Understanding that change is often met with resistance, she took a hands-on approach—listening to her fellow nurses, identifying barriers, and finding solutions.
Liz Elliott smiles after receiving the 2021 Nurse of the Year award.
“At first, nurses saw oral care as just another task on an already overwhelming list,” she explains. “So I asked, how can we make this easier? We provided tools at the bedside and simplified documentation. Once they saw the benefits, they embraced it.”
Her leadership helped reduce pneumonia rates by 70% in two years, a success that exemplifies her problem-solving skills and patient-centered approach.
Nurse of the Year: A Well-Deserved Honor
Elliott’s dedication to patient care, mentorship, and quality improvement has not gone unnoticed. Her commitment to MPMC and its patients has made her an invaluable asset to the hospital. In 2021, she was honored as Nurse of the Year, a recognition of her hard work, leadership, and compassion.
“When I think back to that 16-year-old girl in Peru, running between the hospital and my grandmother’s bedside, I realize how far I’ve come,” she says. “Everything I’ve done has been about making things better for patients and nurses. And I’m not done yet.”
For Liz Elliott, nursing isn’t just a profession—it’s a calling, a way to honor her grandmother’s memory, and a lifelong commitment to making a difference.
