I have never seen a group of people come together and make such deep connections with their patients as these nurses, techs, and therapists have. First and foremost the nurses make an effort to go above and beyond for their patients every single day. Any time a patient has a birthday, the staff buys them a card, a balloon treats, and sometimes a gift. They make sure everyone signs the card and that everyone sings happy birthday to the patient (they even learned to sing it in Spanish for a few patients with the help of their former tech, Maria). They send each patient a get well card home and sometimes get them discharge gifts.
Of note, Lily and Peyton bought their patient who was afraid to discharge home a stuffed animal and treats to comfort him on his way home. They see that their patients spend days bored in their room and bring them things to do. Kristyn saw that her confused elderly patient was so concerned by the fact that she didn't have her makeup that she went to the store, bought her a full face of makeup, and gave it to her the next day. This occupied the patient for the remainder of her stay. Night shift nurse, Christian, even bought nail supplies for a patient who was complaining of having torn up nails. They never let their patients go home without their medications, even if they cannot afford them. Pichaya and Kristyn recently fronted a $360 bill for a patient who was unable to fund her medications. They also go above and beyond to make sure these patients are connecting with their loved ones. When her patient was worried about her husband who was admitted to 4ES, Elena set up a time for them to FaceTime since they were unable to visit in person. When at our max capacity, Cecily pulled many strings to move beds around so a husband and wife could be together in the same room and spend time together. She knew though that they both felt down in the dumps about their appearances and wanted to look nice for one another so she cleaned each of them up, got them dressed in their home clothes, and finally brought them together. Nurse Joy noticed that one of our first patients wasn't enjoying his meals, she came in on her day off and brought him home-cooked African food that he could appreciate and enjoy over the course of his stay.
The teamwork on this floor is truly admirable, the nurses stay gowned up in their PPE for hours, but anyone who is passing by will always offer assistance of any kind. Their main physical therapist, Hannah, was able to get an obese patient to stand for the first time in months. The whole team had to be involved in very close quarters with this patient but ultimately she was so appreciative, she sent the entire team thank you cards after her discharge. In a time when the majority of the population is terrified of this illness, to see the dedication these nurses have, picking up every shift possible to make sure the unit is staffed, is truly amazing.
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Joy has been working on the med surg COVID unit recently. There was a patient on the floor who had been here for a couple of weeks, he was medically clear, he just had nowhere to go upon discharge. Joy noticed that the patient while he would graciously accept his meal trays, would often wind up throwing them in the trash uneaten. She spent time with the patient and talked to him about his culture. The next day on her day off, Joy brought the patient some home-cooked African meals for him to have. This made his day. He finally had food that he recognized and found appetizing. Being a COVID patient can be isolating as it is, so for Joy to come in on her day off to bring him some meals is truly heart warming.
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Brianna stepped into management towards the end of the summer last year and has positively impacted our unit since then. Brianna exemplifies what it means to put her patients and her staff first no matter what. She works fiercely for her staff and always keeps a positive attitude. Our unit has gone through so many changes, especially the hospital as a whole during this time, and she always makes sure that we are taken care of and no questions left unanswered. If she does not know, she will reach out and ensure you have everything you need. Brianna has given this unit so much time, energy, and hustle! Her staff really appreciate her. Brianna truly and genuinely cares about her job and each interaction that she has daily. So many of our staff have shared similar thoughts and I wanted to make sure she received some recognition for the hard work that she gives every day.
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I would like to recognize Cecily for consistently going above and beyond every single day that she works on the 7s COVID unit. From day one, Cecily has *asked* to be on the COVID unit, saying that it is her home and she is willing to work on the floor no matter the patient population. During the pandemic, Cecily stepped up to be a full-time charge nurse on the floor, seeing the need for a sense of stability between charge nurses during a time when the core staff of the unit was variable from day to day. While charging, Cecily brings a whole new meaning to the phrase nurses wear many hats. Cecily can often be found setting up dispositions for patients, coordinating with nursing facilities, and often going the extra mile to get early discharges on the patients during the times of our high census. Of note, the floor had a husband and wife admitted at the same time. Due to bed constraints, they were not able to room together upon admission since they came in at different times. The husband did not know if he would be able to see his wife while she was admitted, but despite wanting to, he was bashful because of his appearance. Cecily, while in charge of the unit, helped him get cleaned up, brushed his hair, and fixed his appearance. She then brought his wife over to see him so they could bond before she discharged (she only was admitted for the day). This brought tears to both the husband and his wife. Cecily is the glue that holds this unit together and she deserves to be recognized.
In addition to everything that I wrote in her nomination, this past weekend she had a patient pass of COVID. "She stayed with this patient during their last moments as no family was able to be there with her (due to lack of family, not our restrictions). She stayed with the patient and made sure they were comfortable. She remembered that this patient enjoyed keeping her appearances up, so she gave her one last bath, combed her hair, and changed her to make sure she was comfortable. She passed shortly after that."
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My mother was admitted to Medical City before Thanksgiving of 2019. She had a broken leg and a broken arm. She was confused and struggling with the pain she was in. We had a lot of different nurses during the days she was there. Cecily was absolutely the best nurse I have ever encountered. She took wonderful care of my mother. She was so patient and kind. She went above and beyond to care for her. She has such a tender, loving heart. She truly cares about the wellbeing of her patients. My Mother was moved to Hospice and passed away in November of 2019. I realize some time has passed, but Cecily definitely deserves to be recognized for the wonderful nurse that she is. I wish her the best in life. It is well deserved.
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Kristyn is the definition of what it means to be a selfless nurse. Time after time, Kristyn takes it upon herself to break down the barriers and relieve the burden of her patients with her own personal means. During her internship, she bought a patient who couldn't afford their prescriptions all of their medications. While working on the COVID floor, she had a confused patient who was extremely bored, she kept coming into the hallways and worrying the staff. Kristyn sat down and got to know the patient, understanding what it was she needed. Low and behold the patient wanted to do her makeup! Kristyn knew this would occupy the patient's time so she went out and bought her a full face of makeup products. The patient then did her makeup every day. Most recently, Kristyn was trying to discharge a patient when she ran into the barrier of the patient not being able to afford the medications. Without a second thought, Kristyn immediately thought to buy the medications. She found out they were quite steep in price, $360. She rallied the help of two other team members to help chip in. Because of Kristyn, this patient was able to have her inhalers and steroids that she needed to help breathe better. Kristyn is always bringing treats and buying snacks for the unit to help keep up morale, she is truly the bright spot of the unit and there would be much less laughter without her.
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Sabera is one of our newer nurses who is a transfer from her former CDU team.  Right off the bat, she began picking up extra shifts and filled in gaps as needed, especially on weekends. She volunteered to take on a new challenge and help resources in the COVID ICU. Sabera became very good at her lab draws and became a resource to her team.  Sabera’s laughter is infectious and she is always there to put a smile on her coworkers and patients' faces.
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Blesson’s nursing journey began just as the pandemic was moving in.  He quickly was moved off of his home floor since it was being turned into a COVID unit. Once his orientation was over he was eager to get back to the unit he signed on to, regardless of the patient population.  Blesson has picked up countless shifts to help out 7 south, but has also been flexible and floats to his sister unit as needed.  Blesson has had several good catches on his patients and he continues to grow in his nursing skills.
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Christian stepped up to charge on the night shift on 7 south, a unit he was unfamiliar with but was willing to fill in the gaps in leadership.  He quickly made patient connections, bringing them a sense of peace. Notably, Christian had a patient who was bored in her room and wanted to do her nails.  He went to the store and bought her a nail supply kit so she could have something to do and feel better about herself.  Christian is also extremely willing to work whatever shift is needed for his unit whether it is day or night.
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Frank was a seasonal nurse who decided to stay with the company after the season was up.  He is a dedicated 7 south team member who picks up as many days a week as possible.  Frank has been a staple on 7 south, acting as a resource for his less experienced teammates, the team is always excited when they see his name on the assignment sheet. He has been extremely flexible during this time, even picking up shifts at other hospitals to help out.
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Elena was a new addition to the 6 south team but quickly volunteered to become a full-time COVID nurse, despite being recently off orientation. Elena actively participates in birthday celebrations for the patients, providing them with a cake, a card, and a gift. Elena coordinated FaceTime calls between a husband and wife who were admitted to separate units when they couldn’t visit each other since the husband wasn’t doing well in the ICU. Her ‘can-do’ attitude and willingness to help anyone in need ensure a smooth shift every time she works.
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Ana started her nursing journey during the pandemic.  Her unit was temporarily closed and she oriented on various units during her internship.  She recognized that most of her teammates went to 7 south and she too asked to be part of the COVID team. Ana does not shy away from a challenge and she leaves every shift with a smile on her face, even after the most challenging of nights.  She even worked at the COVID unit while preparing for her wedding!
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Kaelea filled in the leadership gaps as needed as a primary charge nurse before this unit was officially her own. From the beginning, Kaelea treated each staff member as if they were part of her family, ensuring they were comfortable with their assignments and always offering to lend a hand.  Kaelea began what we call the Crocs Campaign for 7 South.  When everyone was concerned about taking their shoes home from work, she had an idea. She bought every nurse on the unit a pair of crocs as a way to bond everyone together during tough times.
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Ysabelle not only picked up dozens of extra shifts to help the unit out while it was short, but she also was willing to come in additionally to do CMS prep and keep the unit in tip-top shape.  Ysabelle filled in as a charge nurse and helped to create processes and guides for new nurses coming to the unit.  Ysabelle is always willing to teach the new nurses anything they need to know or have questions about, she is an excellent resource to her team.
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Hayley assumed the role of primary charge opposite of Famela, the established supervisor on the floor, prior to officially transferring. She was also a consistent resource in the ICU as needed and even came to day shift to help out from time to time.  She bonded with a patient over the Dallas Stars game and even brought him a Stars cup and some Pepsi so he could enjoy a drink while he watched the games. Hayley’s peers always look forward to working with her because she will make the shift fun no matter what is going on.
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Daniella is the definition of flexible.  Daniella’s nursing journey began just as the pandemic was moving in.  She quickly was moved off of her home floor since it was being turned into a COVID unit.  Once she was finished with orientation, she eagerly awaited her return to 7s. She has been willing to work both day shift and night shift and has been a positive light for everyone on 7s.  Daniella has been bubbly since day one, initiating the unit-based council for her floors to help give everyone a voice during the pandemic.
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Kristyn exemplifies selflessness every day that she comes to work. From the start, she paid for any patient who couldn’t afford their medications.  She also frequently buys gifts and treats for her patients as well. Notably, bringing her former patient who was transferred to the ICU a stuffed cat since he missed his actual cat at home. She purchased makeup for her confused patient who kept asking where her makeup was and she also participated in the croc campaign, buying crocs for some of her coworkers.  When asked about all that she does for her team and patients, she always downplays it, saying that she is there to take care of her team and her patients no matter what.
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Kassie quickly became a staple on the unit as a fill-in charge nurse.  She also made a meaningful moment for her patient by getting the whole unit in on his birthday celebration.  Kassie was one of the first nurses to work on the floor and ensured that everyone who was with her always felt safe and supported. Kassie is the definition of efficient, she ensures that not only her work gets done in a timely manner, but that everyone’s patients are seen as soon as possible.
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Alex took on the task of learning to become a charge nurse during the height of the pandemic.  She herself bought a patient his own birthday cake, card, and balloons to make him feel special.  Alex took it upon herself to get a second med surg COVID unit ready when the surge was at its peak.  Alex can always be found creating laughter at the nurses' station and keeping everyone in good spirits.
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Dumi began working on 7 south and quickly found a new home.  He became the unofficial father of 7 south, at times working 5-6 days a week, even when his school was starting up.  Dumi acts as a resource on the unit, he is always offering help, even if he himself needs assistance.  Dumi is known for lightening the mood, sometimes even encouraging the staff to get their squats in!
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Carla began on the COVID unit pretty quickly after her orientation ended and she excelled from the moment she started. She bought a carrot cake for a patient who was having a bad day once and continued to visit her patients after they were transferred to the ICU.  Despite being new, Carla also picked up as many days per week as she could to help her team out. Carla is always calm, cool, and collected, her patients are always at ease with her.
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Brittany was a COVID 7 south staple from day 1. This was her home floor and that never changed. She never asked for a break and never let the intensity of the floor get to her. Her positive spirit and support helped get the nurses through the frightening first few weeks and kept them moving through the many transitions the floor has made, including the introduction of semi-private rooms.  Physicians seek out recommendations about the patients from Brittany and trust her expertise.
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Peyton was one of the first nurses to pilot the semi-private rooms. She was so willing and offered great feedback that helped streamline the process.  Peyton also served as a charge nurse and still fills in as needed. She purchased a going home gift for one of our long-term patients so they wouldn’t be as anxious when they discharged. Peyton is always determined to have a great day, no matter what is thrown at her, she can always be found encouraging her teammates.
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Lily’s home unit is 7 south, and despite being newly off of orientation, Lily remained a 7 south nurse despite the conversion to a COVID unit.  From the beginning, she was a compassionate caregiver.  She noticed a patient was not a fan of his meals and brought him in authentic Vietnamese food so he could have something to enjoy.  She continues to visit her patients that have transferred to the ICU and frequently provides birthday gifts and going home gifts for her patients.
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Famela was a COVID 7 south staple from day 1. This was her home floor and that never changed. Despite working through several codes and intubations, she never let the intensity of the floor break her spirit.  She frequently provides food for her nightshift team to boost morale and picks up shifts every week without fail.  Famela is always willing to do whatever she needs for the floor, at times taking several admissions as the charge nurse.
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Aysha was flexible in her position, filling in to charge as needed.  Despite several rapid responses happening on her shifts, she could always be found with a smile on her face and was always a source of positivity and laughter. Aysha continued her time on the COVID unit despite being in classes.
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Sumjul’s home unit is 7 south, and despite being newly off of orientation, Sumjul remained a 7 south nurse despite the conversion to a COVID unit.  She also stepped up and learned to become a charge nurse during the height of the pandemic.  Her willingness to pick up shifts and act as a backup charge nurse has been instrumental.  Patients love Sumjul, they always ask to have her back knowing they’re in good hands.
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Marlen took the leap from her home floor of 6 south to become a full-time COVID nurse.  She picked up countless shifts and always put a smile on her patients’ faces.  Her willingness to pick up on the COVID floor has motivated her peers to work on the COVID floor as well.  Marlen has a light-hearted personality and can always be found laughing with her patients.
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Pichaya has been flexible in her COVID units. She was a consistent COVID ICU resource and even received an ALWAYS award for the help she provided.  She is a positive light for the unit, purchasing patients' home medications when they couldn’t afford them.  Pichaya’s dedication to her patients and team is commendable, her willingness is admired by many.
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Veronica has worn every hat on 7 south.  Not only was she the first PPE observer, but she also worked any shift she needed to (day or night) to fill in the gaps as needed.  She has also been known to be the PPE steward for the hospital. Veronica always remains calm despite any situation going on, she always ensures her team is well taken care of.