Colleen Rodgers is what a "Nurse" should be. She is a role model for our profession and what it stands for!

On a daily basis she is kind, compassionate, knowledgeable and conscientious of patients, families and staff!

Besides thanking her for their care while here; during our call backs, patients have complimented her by giving her name, on how much more relaxed they were prior to and after their heart caths or being less concerned about being treated in the hold room. Just knowing they were going to get the best care makes for a remarkable patient experience.

She is able to make educated judgment calls when dealing with critical care patients. Cardiac care is dependent on staff that can make emergent decisions. From the hold room to the cath lab Colleen provides exceptional care. We use conscious sedation frequently and have to cardiovert patients in a safe manner. Education to the patient and family is essential in providing the best care. If you know that you are going to be "shocked" and know your heart is going to stop for that moment, its scary and Colleen is able to support both the patient and the family with this procedure. She is able to educate and answer all concerns.

She stepped up to the plate and helped with an interim management position Cath Lab/EP/Echo Labs - while maintaining her diplomatic approach to speaking with staff about changes and concerns. Having the ability to collaborate with physicians, staff and other ancillary units, she was able to keep the flow of the departments intact when we needed her. Just being able to "talk" professionally with all staff gave her the respect needed to perform this additional duty.

This past summer she participated in the "Caregiver Fair" at LCCC representing the Cardiac Department with one other staff member. While there, she was a spokesperson for all the procedures and tests that are performed in the department. Many of the community asked questions and were provided with expert information.