September 2026 Honoree
5 North Pavilion
Harrison Maxwell, BSN, RN, CCRN - Unit Director • Mackenzie Springer, RN • Alyssa Hohman, RN • Brittany Merola, RN • Emily Sheaffer, MSN, BSN, RN • Kathleen Skelley, BSN, RN
I would like to recognize members of the Passavant McCandless nursing team for their extraordinary compassion, professionalism, and commitment to patient and family-centered care.
A patient unexpectedly passed in the PACU following a routine procedure. As we worked to save her, we learned that her husband was an inpatient on the same floor (5 PAV); her sons were en route but would not make it in time.
Following her death, members of the inpatient nursing team stepped forward to assist in a way that far exceeded expectations.
Understanding that the patient’s husbands was hospitalized himself and unable to come to the PACU, Dave Bell, AOD, partnered with the nursing team on 5 PAV to facilitate the patient’s return to their floors. Dave even transported the patient upstairs himself.
In addition to this, 5 PAV Nursing staff graciously volunteered to provide post-mortem care after her family had finished spending time with her. Their willingness to take on this responsibility in addition to their significant daily workload, empathy, and a deep commitment to honoring the patient and family.
Mackenzie Springer, Kathleen Skelly, Brittany Merola, Alyssa Hohman, and Emily Sheaffer are just a few of the 5 PAV staff who played an integral role – undoubtedly, the entire staff had to work together to ensure the unit ran smoothly during this time.
Their actions were selfless and allowed the family – especially her husband the opportunity to spend precious time with the patient during an unimaginable time of grief.
This team’s actions exemplify the very best of who we are as nurses. Their extraordinary compassion and teamwork embody the UPMC values and are an inspiration to us all.
A patient unexpectedly passed in the PACU following a routine procedure. As we worked to save her, we learned that her husband was an inpatient on the same floor (5 PAV); her sons were en route but would not make it in time.
Following her death, members of the inpatient nursing team stepped forward to assist in a way that far exceeded expectations.
Understanding that the patient’s husbands was hospitalized himself and unable to come to the PACU, Dave Bell, AOD, partnered with the nursing team on 5 PAV to facilitate the patient’s return to their floors. Dave even transported the patient upstairs himself.
In addition to this, 5 PAV Nursing staff graciously volunteered to provide post-mortem care after her family had finished spending time with her. Their willingness to take on this responsibility in addition to their significant daily workload, empathy, and a deep commitment to honoring the patient and family.
Mackenzie Springer, Kathleen Skelly, Brittany Merola, Alyssa Hohman, and Emily Sheaffer are just a few of the 5 PAV staff who played an integral role – undoubtedly, the entire staff had to work together to ensure the unit ran smoothly during this time.
Their actions were selfless and allowed the family – especially her husband the opportunity to spend precious time with the patient during an unimaginable time of grief.
This team’s actions exemplify the very best of who we are as nurses. Their extraordinary compassion and teamwork embody the UPMC values and are an inspiration to us all.
Thank you for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
View More Honorees