It takes a special kind of caregiver to keep a busy surgical department running smoothly. Elizaveta “Liz” Stecyk, RN, is up for the challenge. 

Since July 2020, Liz has served as Manager of Surgical Services for UMass Memorial Health – Marlborough Hospital, overseeing a department of 45 caregivers. Liz is the glue holding everything together. She makes sure surgery rooms are ready and staffed, huddles with staff members, identifies any issues in need of resolution, coordinates scheduling among surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and other staff, and handles payroll. 

“We work closely together to care for our patients in a timely manner,” Liz said. “We work in a highly stressful environment, made [more challenging] by COVID-19. We have to stay on top of it with all the deviations, accommodating add-ons and cancellations, calling patients to come in early, moving patients from one area to another. It is push and pull, every day.”

Liz ensures surgeries are well-coordinated, in part because she acknowledges the concerns and challenges of her fellow caregivers. 

“The Standards of Respect apply to staff and patients. We take them seriously,” Liz explained. “What’s important is how you present information – in a polite, respectful way. People appreciate being acknowledged. There is a lot of communication between our department and the Emergency Department and the Grangers [hospital units]. I’m trying to create a collaborative atmosphere. I’m working with Human Resources and the Employee Assistance Program to create a safe, comfortable environment for all. Patient care is the top priority.” 

Liz earned a bachelor’s degree in finance in her native Russia, then got her master’s degree in telecommunications when she immigrated to the U.S. She changed careers after her son was treated for asthma at Boston Children’s Hospital. “Spending nights with him in the hospital pushed me to get a nursing degree,” Liz recalled. She earned her nursing degree from Becker College and was hired at Marlborough Hospital as an operating room nurse in 2016. 

Outside of work, Liz doesn’t slow down much. “I’m an outdoorsy girl,” Liz said. “I like to hike, bike and run. I do Tough Mudder and Spartan Races. And I climb Mount Washington every other year, just to see where I am physically.” 

Liz considers work her home away from home. “The Marlborough Hospital community is amazing,” she said. “It is a small hospital where you feel like part of the family. You can walk down the hallway to the cafeteria and see all familiar faces. And pretty much, you will know everybody by first name, which is great, because you can always reach out to people. They're always willing to help. And longevity here is wonderful. I have people that have been working in the same units for 20-plus years. I am really proud to be here with my Surgical Services team.”

To read more stories like Elizaveta's, visit everyoneeveryday.org.