May 2012
Denise
McGinley
,
RN, MSNAd
Med-Surg/Ortho/Bariatrics
Tempe St. Luke's Hospital
Tempe
,
AZ
United States
I have worked at St. Lukes for over 10 years. For the first time, I was affected by a serious illness, on a personal level. My friend and colleague of more than 5 years became gravely ill. This friend is truly exceptional; kind, intelligent, generous, humorous, organized, and dedicated. His contributions to St. Lukes are numerous and he is one of the esteemed holders of the Chairman’s Award for his commitment to the community. He has raced the halls of St.. Lukes saving lives, staffing a busy hospital, and coordinating care for all patients.
When this employee, so loved by all, became ill, many raced to assist. The problem was that this employee needed liver specialists, a service not provided at our facility. Case Management came in early and stayed late to try and send him back home to Alabama where his family could assist in his care. When he felt most discouraged, as med flights would not be covered, and he was not well enough to fly commercial, an angel presented herself.
On hearing that an employee was so ill, Denise McGinley went into action. Denise is a skilled director of Med/Surg/Ortho and Bariatrics, and is also interim DON at our sister facility. She is a real person; loved and respected by her staff, not only for her leadership, but also for her teaching skills, humor, and commitment to excellence. Among Denise’s accolades is her Medical Flight Nurse Certification. Denise had offered to fly our beloved employee to Alabama and bring him to the hospital close to home where his family would be able to provide needed support, and the facility would be able to provide the specialty needed. After bringing him safely to the hospital in Alabama (on a red-eye flight), she flew back to Arizona to return to work the next day.
I can never thank Denise enough for caring for my friend, for making his return back home possible. She has reminded me of the reason I am still a nurse. The family community of care providers is singular. I am honored to work with people like Denise McGinley and the countless others who continue to pray for his recovery. Although I have a debt of gratitude to many at St. Lukes, I am most thankful for Denise McGinley who, out of kindness and compassion, did her part in getting my friend home to Alabama so that he can get well, and soon return to us.
When this employee, so loved by all, became ill, many raced to assist. The problem was that this employee needed liver specialists, a service not provided at our facility. Case Management came in early and stayed late to try and send him back home to Alabama where his family could assist in his care. When he felt most discouraged, as med flights would not be covered, and he was not well enough to fly commercial, an angel presented herself.
On hearing that an employee was so ill, Denise McGinley went into action. Denise is a skilled director of Med/Surg/Ortho and Bariatrics, and is also interim DON at our sister facility. She is a real person; loved and respected by her staff, not only for her leadership, but also for her teaching skills, humor, and commitment to excellence. Among Denise’s accolades is her Medical Flight Nurse Certification. Denise had offered to fly our beloved employee to Alabama and bring him to the hospital close to home where his family would be able to provide needed support, and the facility would be able to provide the specialty needed. After bringing him safely to the hospital in Alabama (on a red-eye flight), she flew back to Arizona to return to work the next day.
I can never thank Denise enough for caring for my friend, for making his return back home possible. She has reminded me of the reason I am still a nurse. The family community of care providers is singular. I am honored to work with people like Denise McGinley and the countless others who continue to pray for his recovery. Although I have a debt of gratitude to many at St. Lukes, I am most thankful for Denise McGinley who, out of kindness and compassion, did her part in getting my friend home to Alabama so that he can get well, and soon return to us.