Some say nursing is a profession. Some say it is a calling. Others argue that it is a job with high demands and fulfilling rewards. And although it may be all of these, nursing is an embodiment. Nursing is the embodiment of heart, body, mind, and spirit. It is in this holistic approach that we carriers of "The Lamp" find purpose to our life's journey.
Fresh out of nursing school, Haley Caudill joined the Surgical Intermediate Care Unit (SIMCU) team. Before she was even out of orientation, we quickly discovered that she was going to be a presence! At the time I was her charge nurse, and I had the awesome privilege of watching Haley grow. She tackled new challenges without hesitation while keeping the patient at the center of everything she did. Because of this determination and dedication, Haley received her first Guardian Angel Award!
The patient expressed, " Haley took care of my wife and I could not have asked for better care. She went out of her way to make sure my wife was comfortable and had everything she needed. When my wife buzzed for a nurse, Haley was there within seconds. She was so caring and so helpful. I couldn't have asked for better care, even if I was taking care of my wife myself. Thank you, Haley!"
This testament alone speaks to Haley's character not just as a nurse, but as a person.
The SIMCU team has watched Haley grow from an eager new nurse who would clutch to her report papers into a confident charge nurse focused on holistic care. There is nothing she would not do for the unit. In that regard, she is the very definition of a team player.
One of her preceptees expressed that "Haley is a role model as a nurse, preceptor, and advocate for her patients. As my primary preceptor, she taught me how to prioritize the needs of my patients to make their stay at Mount Carmel as comforting as I could. Her actions led to us getting Guardian Angel Awards in just a few short months of working together!"
The patient who honored Haley with her second Guardian Angel shared, "I had surgery in September and was sent to the SIMCU unit at Mount Carmel East hospital. My stay was not without some bumps in the road. I would like to thank you, Haley. I cannot thank her enough and can only say that she has found her calling."
Haley brings constant positive energy, critical thinking, and a persistent focus toward patient safety, granting her the nickname of "Hale-Storm." These traits not only speak to her character but are crucial to the flow of SIMCU. The atmosphere that she creates on SIMCU is inspiring and contagious. Not only does her SIMCU team feel her support but she never fails to be compassionate for the patient.
You'll find Haley at the bedside, literally sitting beside her patients and families: coaching them on how to develop healthy lifestyles, educating them about nursing interventions, or advocating for patients whose resources are limited. These are a few of the many qualities Haley bestows. She never fails to let patients know and feel that she is there. Always beside them to help fight whatever obstacle they are going through.
If for whatever reason you don't find Haley at the bedside, you'll find her with her team. Working hard alongside her peers or taking the newer nurses under her wing. She is approachable and encouraging after a hard day. One of the SIMCU's new team members, Alyssa, could not be more motivated by Haley. She says, "As a new nurse there are days where I don't feel like I am doing a good job. But Haley sat down, listened to me, and told me "all you can do as a nurse is be compassionate, come to work, work hard, advocate for your patient the best way you know how, and keep them safe". She is teaching me how to communicate articulately with patients and their families. I simply look up at her."
Her preceptee continued to add that, "Her recent role as charge nurse has propelled her to another level in helping the unit. Every shift I see her in patient rooms asking what she can do to make their stay better. She also doesn't just ask her fellow staff nurses how she can help. Instead, she truly immerses herself where she is needed on the unit and goes above and beyond for her staff. This includes, but is not limited to, helping pass medications, helping a patient to the bathroom, or being another set of eyes to act fast on a patient with a changing condition. Knowing you can depend on your staff says a lot. I know I can depend on Haley in any situation. If I was a scared patient in the hospital, without a doubt, I know I would receive the best care with Haley as my nurse. She deserves credit for always being there for her staff and patients."
Haley is in fact the purest embodiment of the heart, body, mind, and spirit of nursing. It is an honor and privilege to work beside her. Not only is the SIMCU team enthusiastic to see what contributions Haley brings to the nursing profession but we all agree that it is inspiring to be caught up in this Hale-Storm!