I usually think of compliments much like I think of salt. They should be used in appropriate quantity. Overused, the benefit is lost. With that sentiment in mind, please know that my comments have been carefully considered.
We have a number of excellent nurses on WPH 4th floor. I am pleased and proud to have shared in patient care with them over the last decade. Over the last year, one particular individual has begun to stand out to me as exemplary in some very special ways. I thought I would take a moment to share my thoughts.
Simply getting off the elevator can give you an immediate hint that Joy is someone special. A glance at patient comments shows that the name "Joy" appears with a greater frequency than any other name. Patients ooze positive comments about her reassuring demeanor and pleasant bedside manner. They use words like "wonderful" and "outstanding". It's impressive and uncommon. I rarely see patients go to such lengths to share positive feedback. She is clearly keeping our patients happy and satisfied.
That said, I think that Joy's strengths go further. She is a kind and reassuring nurse. But she is also infectious. She has a reputation for making grumpy doctors smile and elevating her colleagues. In order to boost the holiday spirit on her floor, she even brought a full-size Christmas tree from her home into the hospital!
Beyond these qualities, she is a competent and knowledgeable nurse. I never have to worry that with all her enthusiasm for making others happy, if Joy has failed to provide anything less than terrific care.
I do not know how we were able to recruit Joy, but I will say I feel lucky to have her as part of the team. This is a person we should hold onto with both hands and use her as a model. If possible, have her infect others with her wonderful qualities. Whatever she does is working. Have her do more of it!