Garland has been here for a long time.  He is a phenomenal example of what nursing leadership should be.  He STRIVES to ensure EVERY patient is taken care of to the absolute maximum ability of the whole care team.  Those who are lucky enough to experience his care as a patient, would all say the same thing, “They were in the best hands possible.”   

Not only does he ensure that all patient goals are met, but he also ensures that the entire team has what they need to give each and every patient what they need for their surgery to be safe and successful. He goes to no ends to check the supplies, trays, sterility, and/or checklists for every case he does. 

Not only is he a phenomenal nurse, but he is an EXCELLENT preceptor.  Garland is our main point of contact for our new nurses coming into the department.  He’s the first nurse they get to rotate with, because he truly cares that they each get all of the foundations they need to build and maintain a successful nursing career in Surgical Services.   He instills the values and ethics that are needed so that they can continue providing excellent patient care to our patients.  He’s ALWAYS positive and willing to help put in any situation.  He’s never said  NO  to any assignment, and is very helpful in ensuring that the entire team is efficient and safe, even when he is not assigned in that room.  He’s a wonderful role model to all of those around him, and his positive attitude inspires others to look up and become better nurses.   

I am writing this nomination because the patients he cares for are having surgery, and the intraoperative team usually is not remembered by those patients.  However, as a fellow staff nurse, his commitment to each and every one of our patients DOES NOT go unnoticed by any of us.