Brandy's nomination came from a Nursing Student who appreciated the fullness of her experience. Here are some excerpts:
Patience: every shift, all shift, Brandy is incredibly patient and understanding with the time it takes for a student to catch on. She takes the time to not only adequately teach but allocates more time to fully discuss all teaching opportunities and check for questions and understanding. She also was very patient while I made a checklist for absolutely everything. This added a lot of time to her day, but she didn't seem to care at all and was supportive of me taking extra time to do whatever I had to do to get the information down.
Empathy: Brandy is possibly the most empathetic person I have met. She sets an example in her interactions with her patients, peers, and other health care members and with me. She also treats everyone exactly the same. Every nurse received the same kindness, the same amount of chatting, etc. All her patients were treated exactly the way she treated her co-workers. One particular patient was difficult because he was non-compliant and possibly was involved with some kind of unfavorable activities with young girls. I could not notice a difference in Brandy's interactions with him compared to how she interacts with me. It is remarkable and a perfect example to set for a student!
Structure: Brandy has her day structured with certain time stamps of when she gets things done. Watching this the first day and then making that my goal from there forward was absolutely what a student needs. Having a timeline for the day (but accepting that flexibility is needed) allows a student to know what is expected and gauge how successful his or her day is going. Brandy also is ritualistic, the way she preps for discharging a patient, and preps for the day, right down to when she prefers to take lunch is all very structured. As a former military member, I thrive in structure. Also, as a former instructor, I noticed that students who are still building their skills also thrive in structure. This approach that Brandy takes would work with any type of student.
Honest: Brandy is consistently honest with me. She does not sugar coat anything and is constructively critical while providing guidance on how to improve. She does not embellish, or minimize, she just tells it like it is. On my 7th shift, I asked her what she thought about me talking on all 4 patients and she was honest and stated that she did not feel I was quite ready for that, but next shift I would be. She constantly tells me what I did well on and what I need to work on. Being precise with guidance rather than generalizing is what makes student really understand their progression, strengths, and weaknesses.
Professionalism: Brandy is easy-going, kind, and personable, yet always professional. After some time I felt like I could joke around with her, but I never forgot my place and hers. No matter how relaxed she would make the environment, it was always professional. I saw them when noticing her empathy in dealing with patients, and when someone was rude to her on the phone, Brandy's professionalism is unwavering. This balance of professionalism and a relaxed environment not only sets a good example for students but also creates a work environment with no role confusion, just a safe learning environment.
Brandy comes with a high amount of recommendations, every nurse I met had rave reviews of Brandy, and every single person had said at least once, she's the best nurse here. I feel it is one thing for a manager to attest to the proficiency of a nurse, but for his or her peers to have respect and admiration speaks volumes.