In 2013, the following words were written to our Administration by today's recipient of the DAISY Award, Amy Sealey, regarding the type of care that we should be providing at Mary Lanning Healthcare:
"Random Acts of Kindness-I have no doubt each one of us has so many; each one, an inspiring story. We'd all be in tears hearing them. Are we always recognized for those acts? No, but the most important recognition is the recognition that comes from our patients; the impact that we've made on their stay and recovery. Sometimes the little things are the big things."
These are the words of a very deserving nurse who demonstrates these random acts of kindness to her patients, to her patients' families and friends, to her co-workers, and to her place of employment literally each and every day. There is no way that I can tell you all of the amazing stories of compassion and clinical excellence that Amy Sealey exhibits on a daily basis because there are thousands them! All I can do is shed a small amount of light on the type of nurse Amy is, and to encourage her to write a book one day because she is truly one of a kind.
Amy has said, "In my eyes, each and every patient is a 'VIP'. I work very hard each and every day, all in the love of my job; and the #1 reason is that my patients count on me every day, they put their lives in my hands."
An example of how Amy has treated our patients as VIP's was when she was caring for a patient here in the hospital whose wife was staying at our Home Away From Home. The patient told Amy that his wife was really sick and was over there throwing up and having diarrhea. She asked the patient if his wife could go and get some 7up and he said no because she was really not feeling good. So, after her 12 hour shift she packed this patient's wife a brown paper bag with applesauce, 7-up, crackers and blue barf bags. She took this over to the Home Away From Home and had the staff on duty go check on her and give her the bag. The patient and his wife were so grateful for what she did that they sent her a bouquet of daises to work and a card that said: "Your seeds of kindness have blossomed in my heart. Thank you so much for looking after both of us with such loving care!"
Another example was when Amy was shopping in Russ's IGA and was stopped by a former patient and his wife, whom she cared for most of the patient's hospital stay. They remembered Amy by her first name and carried on a conversation with her for some time. In the main of the conversation, she asked how the patient was doing and how he was getting along at home. The patient and his wife had many questions and they were unsure of some of the instructions that they received for discharge. Amy, unable to answer all their questions without gaining additional information, came up to the floor and obtained the information for the patient, then she relayed it back to the patient and his family assuring that they understood before considering her job done. When her manager told her to document the time she spent obtaining this information for the patient, so she could get paid for it, she refused to do so and stated that she was glad to do that for them; never receiving any additional compensation other than knowing that she had made an impact on this patient's recovery at home.
When the Guardian Angel program started to be developed she immediately asked to be on the top of the list! She has come in on several occasions to sit with patients on her days off, whether she is called in or not. She is the real Guardian Angel here at Mary Lanning Healthcare, and she always dresses in white.
Amy has also said that, "Change is always hard, but necessary for improvement, safety, and advancing in healthcare." Amy lives our SAFE acronym every day and she is always thinking about what is safe for our patients.
One example of how she advocates for the safety of our patients was when an orthopedic physician came to MLH. At the time, he used Lovenox for DVT prophylaxis and his patients would go home doing self-injections. The patients did not like this and the cost was extreme. On a day off, she called every pharmacy and did a price comparison of Lovenox to Xarelto; 50 dollars an injection to 9 dollars a pill. To his, hers and our patients' pleasure, he switched to Xarelto. Just this physician and Amy knew why he changed his practice. She always has the patients' best interest in mind, being their voice and advocating is part of her job.
Amy says, "'be the best you can be every day'". We have a great team here. Can we do it alone? No. But together we can do it all. With great leadership, we can make things happen! "I am proud and honored to be a part of the MLH team. It's a part of me, my life, and the only job I've had for 30 years."
These are not just words to Amy, as she truly lives by this philosophy. Her team and her leaders have noticed Amy being the best she can be every day and they have written to her to say thank you. She keeps every thank you card like these…
Monica Nordby, Supervisor of Admission Services, and the "Admissions Gang": I wanted to let you know that your name was mentioned in rounding this month by G. She said that you are such a kind and caring nurse. You offer such compassion when you care for your patients. I could not agree with her more. You do a fabulous job, as I have seen you care for patients. We could not have a sweeter, gentler nurse than you. Thanks for all that you do!
From Sue Soden, Manager of Diagnostic Imaging: You were recognized in rounding by Shannon Plummer from CT/MRI. She said you always have the patients ready and the ticket to ride filled out before they get there. Makes a big difference in patient care! Keep up the great team work! We need more nurses like you! Thanks for all that you do!
From Bruce Cutright, VP of Human Resources: I was asked to visit with Mr. FB today. I had no idea at first why he wanted to talk with someone in administration. When I arrived in the lobby of the hospital he introduced himself to me and he told me how much he appreciated your care of his wife. He tearfully told me how you provided a warm bath and how much you cared for his wife. You truly made a difference. I know that you do more than just provide good care. Your heart is full of love for others. We are so lucky to have you. Mr. FB says you are the BEST nurse in the world!
From Dr. Mike Skoch, Chief Medical Officer: Sometimes "going the extra mile" is about warm fuzzies and good feelings. Sometimes it's about enduring in difficulty, continuing to believe in yourself when another may say or do something that is unkind, unwarranted or hurtful. Let me just say thanks for your perseverance and dedication to your patients. If I'm ever a patient here, I'd want you caring for me! Thanks!
From Ronda Ehly, Chief Nursing Officer: I received a call today from the mother of a patient you cared for this weekend (RM). She wanted to share with me how much she appreciated the care you provided stating that you were very caring and helpful. Thank you for the exceptional care you provided to this patient. Please know that your caring and compassion is recognized and deeply appreciated.
From Eric Barber, CEO: Gary Anderson, one of our board members, wrote me a letter raving about the care you provided to him during his knee replacement. Thank you for continuing to truly make a difference for our patients! Here are just a few of the words Gary Anderson wrote about Amy: … "I found her to be what I would describe as employee of the Century; and over my almost 70 years I've been treated by lots of nurses…she is sincere, professional, thorough, knowledgeable, polite, loving, caring, respectful; just a poster board nurse!"
From Megan Marble, Director of MSO: I ran across this quote and I instantly thought of you. "Definition of a nurse: to go above and beyond the call of duty. The first to work and the last to leave. The heart and soul of caring. A unique soul who will pass thru your life for a minute and impact it for an eternity. An empowered individual whom you may meet for only 12 hours but who will put you and yours above theirs." Thank you for being a living example of the true definition of a nurse!
From Nicole Ackles, Manager on MSO: She always remembers to recognize her leaders and other team members with gifts and special notes in cards; always meaningful, individualized, timely and tear-producing prose. She always speaks of her team as her family and Mary Lanning her home away from home. Amy has lost her sister and her mother to illnesses and has reason to steer away from a place that brings her many memories of lost loved ones. Instead, she uses that passion to teach her patients and their caregivers from admission day to dismissal day to continue their care at home properly. Her time spent, whether on or off the clock, is always for the betterment of her patient and the understanding of their care.
From Connie Uden, DA on MSO: Amy always treats her patients like they are her only patient. Amy always goes above and beyond with every patient she has. She takes the time to visit with her patients which makes them feel special. She will take the time to ambulate her patients which gives them more special one on one time with her. Her caring and concerns do not stop with the patient. She loves to communicate with the patient's family and make sure that they understand everything that is going on with their loved one. Going above and beyond for Amy is just part of taking care of her patients!
She has gotten to know her patients stories by spending time with them at the bedside and she has even gone and visited patients at their homes that she has cared for and said that she "finds it very comforting to be there for them! Time is the best gift you can give someone." Her patients keep in contact with her and send her cards like the one from a patient from over 12 years ago:
Hi! I hope you are doing well. I was thinking about you, so had to send you a line. Remember me? You were so good to my hubby when he was in the hospital so many times-and to me. Just wanted to tell you again how much we appreciated you. He's been gone 12 years. Time flies. Enjoy the Holidays!
She sent this patient's wife a response letter saying that, "There are patients who have made an impact on my life, just as I have theirs. Its patients like your hubby and you who refuel my passion and keep me doing what I love to do each day!"
Well Amy, its nurses like you that refuel everyone's passion in this room to keep doing what we are doing and LOVE what we do!
Amy is beyond deserving of the DAISY Award for all of the extraordinary compassionate care she provides to our patients, their families, and our Mary Lanning family each and every day. This DAISY Award is just a small symbol of our appreciation to give to you, Amy; for all that you have given to us and our patients. When the Champions Council started to read this nomination letter, we stopped mid-way through because we knew right away that this nurse was you and that you deserved to receive the DAISY Award. One member on the council actually put it best and said, "Amy is the DAISY Award." So, on behalf of the Champions Council, your patients, your patients' families, your family, and your Mary Lanning Family we proudly honor you today, Amy Sealey, with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses.