Elizabeth Pacas joined Gracelight’s Echo Park clinic in 2021, seeing an opportunity to give back to the neighborhood she grew up in and still calls home. Becoming a nurse wasn’t just about finding the right job. It was about showing up for her community in a meaningful way.
From the start, she was eager to learn and grow. She spent her early days working alongside a seasoned nurse who helped guide her and set the tone for what strong, team-based care looks like. “I was lucky to be trained by someone so dedicated. I learned how much nurses really support every part of the clinic,” she said.
Over the last four years, Elizabeth has taken on challenges, adapted to change, and continued to build her skills. Whether she’s helping a patient understand their medication or stepping in to support a coworker, she focuses on making things better for the people walking through the door.
The work isn’t always easy. Long days and tough situations come with the job. But it’s the moments of appreciation that keep her going. “There are hard days,” she said. “But when someone thanks you or a coworker checks in, it makes a big difference.”
Elizabeth plans to continue her education and become a nurse practitioner. Her goal is to keep giving back, offering care and education in the same community that shaped her, one patient at a time.