Laurie Walker
March 2020
Laurie
Walker
,
RN, CRRN
Special Care Rehabilitation
MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center
Waterloo
,
IA
United States
There is not one act of kindness, dedication or sacrifice to describe Laurie Walker. Laurie does special things day in and day out many of which no one knows about. Recently she set up a surprise potluck for a longtime colleague who retired. By doing so, we were able to let that colleague know how much she impacted all of us.
Last month, she was witnessed stopping her car and getting out to help an elderly couple trying to cross the street in winter weather. She not only helped them but put them in her car and gave them a ride to their destination. People have said that Laurie is the type of person they wish they could be. Laurie doesn't just think about acting, she does it! Laurie once purchased a mattress for a patient being discharged because they did not have one at home. No one knew about it until much later.
We had a work comp patient who literally lived with her for a year. When the patient was able, Laurie would take her on outings-shopping, dinner, and even to the home that was being built for her.
Laurie is the first to have cards available to sign for anyone (patient, family member, colleague) who has a special occasion or a loss. She is the go-to person for anything anyone needs as she will have it in her locker. She is always calm in any situation whether medical-related or an upset patient or family. Laurie is the type to run into a situation, first to act when help is needed. She is a go-to person for physicians for anything and is respected by physicians and colleagues alike. If Laurie speaks up people listen, whether it's a patient issue, clinical issue or things needed on the unit. Laurie trains and mentors all our new nursing colleagues. She is patient and makes sure they are well prepared for their new position.
Laurie will not leave the unit if they are short or in a bad situation. She is the first to volunteer to stay or come in when there is a need.
This is a compilation of feedback from many Rehab colleagues and does not scratch the surface of the depth of Laurie's commitment to her patients, families, and colleagues!
Last month, she was witnessed stopping her car and getting out to help an elderly couple trying to cross the street in winter weather. She not only helped them but put them in her car and gave them a ride to their destination. People have said that Laurie is the type of person they wish they could be. Laurie doesn't just think about acting, she does it! Laurie once purchased a mattress for a patient being discharged because they did not have one at home. No one knew about it until much later.
We had a work comp patient who literally lived with her for a year. When the patient was able, Laurie would take her on outings-shopping, dinner, and even to the home that was being built for her.
Laurie is the first to have cards available to sign for anyone (patient, family member, colleague) who has a special occasion or a loss. She is the go-to person for anything anyone needs as she will have it in her locker. She is always calm in any situation whether medical-related or an upset patient or family. Laurie is the type to run into a situation, first to act when help is needed. She is a go-to person for physicians for anything and is respected by physicians and colleagues alike. If Laurie speaks up people listen, whether it's a patient issue, clinical issue or things needed on the unit. Laurie trains and mentors all our new nursing colleagues. She is patient and makes sure they are well prepared for their new position.
Laurie will not leave the unit if they are short or in a bad situation. She is the first to volunteer to stay or come in when there is a need.
This is a compilation of feedback from many Rehab colleagues and does not scratch the surface of the depth of Laurie's commitment to her patients, families, and colleagues!