Carrie has been a loved and respected member of our hospital for almost 15 years and presently works in our outpatient surgery department. The busy outpatient surgery department not only takes care of surgical patients but also handles infusions, outpatient transfusions, and PATs. Unfortunately, in our community, many patients are very reluctant to come to CCH and sometimes surgeons feel they must talk their patients into having surgery here, but when patients come through outpatient surgery, they always have a wonderful experience due to the loving and compassionate care they receive from nurses like this DAISY nominee. Outpatient surgery has become a gateway to the hospital much like the emergency room. Under Carrie's leadership patients are treated with kindness and respect. One of the biggest fears patients have about surgery is having an IV started. Carrie is known for her excellent skill which puts patients at ease.

Working in outpatient surgery sometimes comes with long hours. They are the first to get here in the morning and could be the last to leave in the afternoon. Even when they are short-staffed, she always makes the day go smoothly and the doctors and the patients are very grateful. She always goes through her day with a smile even when the days are long or even taking on multiple tasks. Without hesitation, she has helped the emergency department numerous times by taking ED patients that are waiting for admission, tests, or procedures when the ED is overrun. The ED staff is always grateful for the relief.  

One day Carrie's attention to detail prevented a possible bad outcome. An orthopedic patient was getting prepped for surgery when Carrie noticed that the patient had taken Eliquis (which is a blood thinner) the morning of their surgery. This could have increased the risk of serious bleeding, as blood loss is an expected part of surgery anyway. With her nursing expertise and prompt attention to detail, the surgeon was notified and the procedure was postponed. It’s actions like these that keep her patients safe and make her an asset to her department.

Carrie was recently approached to help with an impromptu employee health situation. She went out of her way to come in and help her peer and never skipped a beat. This nominee always puts others’ needs and wants above her own which makes her a very valued and appreciated employee. Carrie is so deserving of our recognition for her dedication to our patients and the thoughtful care she provides.