I have worked with Doris for many years and she is a first-rate nurse. She has the knowledge and confidence that a veteran nurse should have and the compassion for patients that all nurses should have to be a great nurse.Doris has time to help whenever I have asked, be it moving a patient, starting an IV, or just taking a minute to listen to me when I need advice. I cannot think of a time when she has not assisted me when I have asked. She has worked on the floor as a CNA when they were busy and short staffed. She comes to work on her days off when she is needed.Doris is a great manager in the surgery department, but I see her as a great leader for all employees of this hospital. She has told me several times that we all need to do what is right for the patients all the time and that is what I see her do with her patients. That would be a great motto for all the staff here at GCH also.Doris always has a pleasant "hello" and a smile when you meet her in the hallways of the hospital. I enjoy working with her at GCH.
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I'm not sure where to begin to thank Doris.As an employee, from the day I began working at GCH, Doris was always welcoming and honest. She always made a point to say hello and ask how things were going.The day came when I found out that I needed a hysterectomy. I went to Doris and asked what to expect. She was very honest and I was grateful for that.I had my surgery at another hospital just to keep it somewhat private. Doris checked on me almost daily during my recovery.
I became concerned about how I was feeling. Doris convinced me to go back in to get checked. My symptoms weren't normal post-surgery symptoms. I went into GCH and found out that I had a collapsed intestine that required a second surgery. While I was at GCH for my second surgery, Doris talked to me about what was going to happen and made me feel much more comfortable. She explained things clearly so I knew what to expect. I knew that Doris would be honest and not sugar coat anything and I appreciated that. I had the surgery and stayed for a couple of weeks to recover. I looked forward to the visits from Doris. She truly cares about the patients and GCH. I can't explain the comfort I felt because of Doris. She kept me calm and made me feel at peace through it all. Doris is an incredible nurse and person. GCH is so lucky to have her. The thing about Doris is that I'm not sure if she realizes what an impact she has on others. I thank God every day for Doris.
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I have known Doris for several years. You can tell she likes being a nurse. She is very good at her job and she is confident without showing she is confident. She doesn't need everyone to know how well she does her job; she does her job well because she knows the outcome will help her patient. She is a compassionate nurse; she is nurturing, understanding, respected, strong, and excellent. As a patient, you feel you are getting the best care when she is on duty. She encourages you to get better, even when you don't feel good. She can be stern in telling you this is what is best for you and you need to do it, but this is still the love of taking care of her patient to get them feeling better. As a coworker, you know when she is on duty stuff is getting done. She makes the other nurses be accountable, tells it as it is, but also is respected as a leader and one that they go to with questions because she knows her stuff. She will drop anything and help at the hospital if ER needs her, if there is high census and not enough nurses on staff, and with late-night surgeries.
I recently witnessed as a patient that the nurses were shorthanded and the ER was full on a weekend. They called in Doris, and a nurse said, "Things will get done now." She is just that good. And she is personal. She can have a good time and enjoy a laugh right beside you. As a coworker, we go back to when times were different: we had lots and lots of laughs, harmless teasing, and times when she and couple coworkers were on duty on the floor, you knew we were going to be busy and it was going to be a fun night.
Recently, I was having a surgery and couldn't do it at GCH and was referred to another hospital. Doris had asked me if I was okay if she went with me to watch the surgery as she hadn't seen this procedure. I said yes; I knew then I would be watched over by her and she would make sure all i's were dotted. I felt safe. She came to see me prior to my surgery in pre-op. Even after my surgery, she called me at home to check on me. I didn't even have my surgery at GCH and she still called me and she would ask me how I was feeling even weeks afterward to check on me. Iknow she is getting ready to retire and she will be greatly missed. I hope she knows her worth, friendship, and dedication are not unrecognized. She is outstanding!
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I have thought about Doris Terwilliger and her awesome nursing skills for years. I know one day before any of us are ready, she is going to decide to retire. That will be a huge nurse's cap for someone to fill! I know she is determined to make sure she shares her knowledge each day and cares so much about GCH and her position. I witness her toughness at times, but that is all the more reason to like and respect her. She is allabout remembering andperforming the best nursing skills on every patient. She is a great mentor to all the younger nurses and a role model for them. I witness her kind touches and her concern every day as well. She can give that strong look to you, but she has a golden heart that genuinely cares about each and every one of us and those people that are coming through the doors of GCH every day and night. It would be hard to walk a mile in her shoes. You would have to be ready toget out of bed any time of the night and have your head into surgery in just a couple hours. I am sure she stayed the rest of the day afterward to finish out her regular shift. Keeping infection control as a priority with her staff and sharing years of experience of her patient care and all the nursing procedures keeps her busy. Along with all the great work, sheis also entertainingwith her funny anecdotes. I am really lucky tosee her each day and do a small part to help her department. Doris is a true example of Iowa's strong work ethic!