Affectionately known as "ATM", Anne Masterson has been a member of the 8N team for nearly 20 years. She works hard each and every day, making recognizable contributions. As an expert Rehab nurse, Anne provides her patients with practical knowledge regarding their spinal cord injury, stroke or brain injury diagnoses. She offers comprehensive bowel, bladder, and skin care teaching to patients and their families in preparation for discharge. Recently Anne has taken the initiative to bring new bladder products to the unit benefitting multiple patients.
When it comes to subtle changes in patient status or a condition not responding to treatment, Anne has a unique "sixth sense", she often raises questions before anyone else does, and proactively lobbies the medical team to pursue a workup or treatment well before signs or symptoms are obvious.
Anne has a holistic view of nursing care and focuses on every aspect of the patient's needs. She is an outstanding patient and family advocate, ensuring they have access to resources to reach their Rehab goals. For example; she frequently coordinates spiritual care for her patients, arranging for outside visitors from their own spiritual community to provide needed support. She reminds her patients to stay positive, encouraging them to keep working to return to the community.
As she does for her patients, Anne also strongly advocates for staff. As a Charge nurse, she ensures that staff takes their breaks; she both encourages and models leaving work on time. She is a very willing preceptor and shares her depth and breadth of experience with student nurses as well as new staff.
Anne is bold in voicing concerns that others may not be comfortable with, challenging us to improve operational processes or work conditions that will ultimately lead to better patient outcomes or greater satisfaction. She is a dependable, reliable, respected, and appreciated nurse on 8N, and we are grateful for her many years of service!