Judy was the first warm face that greeted me when I arrived at UMC in 2017. I may miss many of her accomplishments and talents, as she has only been here at UMC for a "few years" prior to my arrival...wink wink.

However, she is currently the pillar for CPO (Care Provider Orientation) and is still one of the first faces you will meet if and when you start at UMC. She goes above and beyond in her teaching orientation and I'm very sure that I will miss one of them. But, for example, she has taught TNCC, even on weekends sometimes for years. You can also find Judy teaching PALS, ENCP, or Stop the Bleed in the Community.

My co-workers even rave about how instrumental Judy is in orienting and setting up education for Travelers. What we admire the most about Judy is her willingness to always step up to help or just get involved, even with things that she doesn't have direct involvement in or even expertise in.

During the Covid-19 Pandemic, I was asked to help facilitate setting up and manning the main entrance of the hospital.  We were extremely short and I had asked Judy to move her schedule around to assist and fill a gap in our schedule. She always figures out a way to assist, but her true gift is to do it with a smile and such a positive attitude. That day she moved to accommodate the schedule, I can remember she was paired with another nurse and some of the laughter that followed during a very stressful time.

Again, it was Judy's smiling face that our community was greeted with during an extremely stressful time. She somehow made it easier for the community to accept the fact that we couldn't allow them into the hospital.

I wish I had more opportunities to work directly with Judy, as it's a rumor that she will be retiring soon. It perplexes me how you can retire so young!

Judy has been a gift to UMC, our patients, our staff, and our community.