Chantel is such a wonderfully compassionate and hardworking nurse. She is the ideal role model of nursing at Saddleback and exudes excellence. I can think of so many instances where she has demonstrated the qualities of a DAISY Nurse. Chantel has a kind demeanor and way about her that makes patients feel comfortable and confident enough to talk to her about their plan of care. She communicates with her colleagues in the same way and is very respected by all disciplines, including doctors. She communicates with respect to our PCTs and they have spoken highly about her work ethic. When PCTs see they will be working together for the shift, I have heard them exclaim, "it's going to be a good day!" They say this because Chantel takes responsibility for her patients. If she is in a room during the time for vital signs, she will do them for the PCT. If she is in the room and the patient needs to use the restroom, no question, she takes them. Water? Blanket? "Let me grab that for you" is her response. All of these tasks may seem small, but to the patient sitting in the hospital bed, it's huge. She speaks kindly with patients and their families, even if they are frustrated. I've heard Chantel speaking with a patient who was frustrated, with his voice rising, and she was able to make the patient feel like he was being heard which allowed him to calm down and get to the root of his frustration.
When it comes to assessment and clinical skills, there is no doubt that Chantel knows what she is doing. She's discovered and escalated problems to the doctor in a quick and efficient manner to prevent further complications. It's clear that doctors respect her nursing skills of assessment and many know her by name, which I think is a sign of respect in itself. When it comes to a 2nd opinion, she is someone I have consulted and vice versa. I appreciate that she asks questions and that we can work through red flags together.
She's highly self-sufficient as well and has worked through many problems on her own. She knows who her resources are and who to contact, instead of always passing issues off to other people. Chantel always has the patient's best interest in mind, which is evidenced by the way she advocates for them and goes above and beyond to make them feel comfortable. She is a valuable all-star on our team. She is ALWAYS, ALWAYS offering her assistance. Every shift if I hear someone say they need something or passively express that they are overwhelmed, I'll hear Chantel's voice shortly after saying "I can do that (for you)" or "do you need help?" Whether it be putting in a Foley, trying a difficult IV, or repositioning a patient that is not her own...she offers. And with Chantel, you know that her offers are sincere and that she will follow through with it. Even when it comes to accepting admits when it isn't necessarily her turn. I've had her offer to take an admit, out of her line of sight, and after she had already gotten one earlier that day, for a nurse who was busy and couldn't at that moment. If she doesn't offer to take the admission, she's asking that nurse what she could do to help so the nurse will be able to research the admit.
I can't say enough of how much a great nurse, coworker, friend, and basically how much of a great person Chantel is. I am often in awe of how calm, collected, and organized she is. She motivates me through her actions to be a good nurse and to work hard. She is quiet and very humble, but I hope she knows how fortunate and grateful we are to have her as part of our 2E family. Her great work does not go unnoticed! She is a true DAISY Nurse.