Living the Mission: Clarisa Requena Ortega

“Being a Health Care Worker is a Blessing”

Clarisa Requena Ortega strives every day to make a difference. She started at St. Catherine of Siena Hospital in 2019 as a part-time dietary aide and in three years transitioned to full-time. Said Clarisa, “I am grateful for the possibility of bringing joy to patients when I deliver their meals. I strive to make a difference every day."

Our patients are always her focus—which is so important, as we all know that food is medicine. “I try to make our patients feel as comfortable as possible,” stated Clarisa. “It could be something very simple, such as opening their juice or ensuring that the food order is accurate.” And patients are grateful for this type of care. “When I noticed one of my patients’ diet was changing from a liquid diet to a regular diet, the patient was overcome with happiness.”

Clarisa’s positive attitude is contagious. When her colleagues nominated her for Employee of the Month, one employee stated, “You are one in a million with your kind and positive attitude! I adore working with you, as you truly are a special, kindhearted soul who brings so much positivity to our team!” Not only is her positive attitude and work ethic an asset, she is also fluent in Spanish and will assist colleagues to help address the language barrier with a patient.

“I feel proud to be part of a team that takes excellent care of everyone who seeks health services. Working at St. Catherine makes me feel as if I make a difference.”

Clarissa shared this insight: “Being a health care worker is a blessing. Every day we are able to make a difference in patients' lives. To new applicants I say: Give them your best, and receive the blessing.”

Read more Living and Working the Mission stories.