From patient to caregiver

Lisa Rodriguez’s connection to Methodist Hospital Texsan began as a patient. 

In 2022, Rodriguez came to Methodist Hospital Texsan for treatment after becoming seriously ill with pneumonia. Living nearby, she drove herself to the hospital’s emergency department when she realized something was wrong. She spent about three days there receiving care, an experience she said stayed with her long after she recovered.  

“The care I received here [at Methodist Hospital Texsan] was superb all the way through,” Rodriguez said. “When I was here as a patient, they really put me at ease and helped me get better.” 

For Rodriguez, that experience left more than a positive impression. It also helped shape the next step in her career. 

“Everything about this hospital just made me feel at peace,” she said. “Because of the care I received here, I knew I wanted to work at here.” 

Now Rodriguez is beginning a new chapter at the same hospital where she once received care, bringing with her years of experience and a deep commitment to serving others. 

Originally from Michigan, Rodriguez has spent much of her life caring for people. She began working at 16 and built a career that included retail leadership, home care and years of service as a certified nursing assistant in several states before settling in Texas. She has worked as a CNA in Texas since 2011, most recently in nursing homes. 

Through it all, Rodriguez said caring for others has always felt like her calling. 

“I believe in taking care of patients the right way,” she said. “It’s about caring for the people we’re here to serve.” 

That mindset made her experience as a patient at Methodist Hospital Texsan especially meaningful. Rodriguez said she was struck not only by the care she received, but also by the atmosphere of the hospital. She said the environment felt calm and welcoming at a time when she needed reassurance. 

In addition to her own experience, Rodriguez said family members had also received care at Methodist Hospital Texsan over the years, which further strengthened her view of the hospital as a place centered on compassion. 

Working in a hospital had long been one of her goals, Rodriguez said, even if she did not expect it to happen at this stage of her life. 

“It had always been my dream to work in a hospital,” she said. “I didn’t expect it to happen at this point in my life, but that dream is being answered right now.” 

As she settles into her new role, Rodriguez said she is eager to continue learning and growing in the hospital setting. What matters most to her, she said, is the connection she can build with patients during vulnerable moments in their lives. 

“Sometimes a few kind words or simple eye contact can go a long way,” Rodriguez said. “Trust me, it really does.” 

For Rodriguez, joining Methodist Hospital Texsan feels personal. The hospital helped care for her when she needed it most, and now she is proud to be part of a team that provides that same sense of comfort and support to others. 

“This has been such a blessing,” she said. “It feels like God answered my prayers.”