When Lisa Rodriguez arrived at Methodist Hospital Texsan in 2022, she came as a patient seeking help for a serious case of pneumonia. Today, the same hospital is where she is beginning a new chapter as a Patient Care Technician.
Rodriguez lived nearby and drove herself to the hospital’s emergency department after realizing something was wrong. She spent about three days receiving care, and she said the experience remained 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.”
The experience did more than leave Rodriguez with a lasting positive impression. It also helped point her toward 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 bringing her experience and commitment to others back to the place where she once received care.
Originally from Michigan, Rodriguez has spent much of her life in roles centered on helping people. She started working at 16 and went on to build a career that included retail leadership, home care, and years of service as a certified nursing assistant in several states before settling in Texas. Since 2011, she has worked as a CNA in Texas, most recently in nursing homes.
Across those roles, Rodriguez said her purpose has remained consistent: caring for people well.
“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 outlook made her own time as a patient at Methodist Hospital Texsan especially memorable. Rodriguez said she noticed not only the clinical care, but also the calm, welcoming environment that helped reassure her when she needed support.
Her connection to the hospital extends beyond her own care. Rodriguez said family members also have received care at Methodist Hospital Texsan over the years, reinforcing her belief that the hospital is a place grounded in compassion.
For Rodriguez, working in a hospital had long been a personal goal, even though she did not expect that opportunity to arrive at this point in 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 Rodriguez settles into her new role, she said she is focused on learning, growing, and building meaningful connections with patients during some of their most vulnerable moments.
“Sometimes a few kind words or simple eye contact can go a long way,” Rodriguez said. “Trust me, it really does.”
Joining the Methodist Hospital Texsan team is personal for Rodriguez. The hospital cared for her when she needed help, and she is proud to now be part of the team offering that same comfort and support to others.
“This has been such a blessing,” she said. “It feels like God answered my prayers.”