Deb's passion for helping those with mental health concerns started early in her nursing career. One week into my position here at St. Anthony's, there was a Code One called in the Emergency Department. Deb immediately told me that we needed to get there quickly to assist. Upon arrival at the ED, nurses/techs and other people who had responded were lining the hallways. A male patient was in the ED room, throwing anything he could find. Without hesitation, Deb entered the room. She immediately met the person on his level, asked him what had happened to him, and how she could help. She showed him empathy, and he immediately calmed down and began talking to her. His problem - his main immediate problem was that he didn't have any shoes. Deb assured him that we could help him. Within minutes, she had given him a pair of shoes. This is only one example; these types of actions happen daily, and not only with patients, but with her staff, other staff at the hospital, or ANYONE in need. Deb is pursuing her ARNP to become a mental health practitioner, where she can expand her love for mental health and helping people. Many patients mention Deb by name on Satisfaction Surveys and how much she helped them. Deb works hard to fight the "stigma" surrounding mental health. She coordinates the Mental Health 5K each year, where funds raised go to patients in need of assistance with things like transportation, medications, utility bills, etc. Helping with things like this helps to set the patient up with the most successful chance of long-term success once discharged.   

Deb always prioritizes someone in need of help over anything else on her already full plate. She instills in us that patients always come first and should be treated with dignity, respect, and empathy, regardless of their situation. I feel Deb is very deserving of this award.