Vicki has been a nurse for almost 30 years here at the Medical Center. She gives all her energy and heart to every patient she cares for. These are just two patient appreciation examples, but the list could go on about her. One of her patients’ mothers expressed a beautiful appreciation for the trauma team and, specifically, Vicki’s care at ECU Health. Her son (originally from Charlotte, NC) was to arrive as a freshman Honors student at ECU this year. Instead, he arrived to ECU Health Trauma Center, via helicopter, from an outside hospital. The patient suffered a TBI from an accident at camp, where he was a counselor. After being at our hospital in Greenville and the wonderful care they received they had difficulty with follow up care in their hometown, Charlotte, where there were fewer resources for TBI physicians and very long waitlists for non-Charlotte hospital patients. Vicki changed all that. When a cancellation opened up around holidays (saving weeks of wait time), Vicki patiently and promptly provided (repeated) referrals for the patient in whatever formats the clinic required. Vicki's diligence was key in enabling the patient to see the doctor he needed most, as well as to all the subsequent care, testing, and therapy that he is still receiving today. The patient is recovering and dreaming of being back in Greenville as ECU Honors student in January. The family expressed, “We also know that this recovery is in large part a direct result of hard-working professionals with big hearts, like Vicki- she truly is a superstar for our family.”

Another wonderful example of the exemplary work of Vicki is a patient that she has been working with for over a year in the hospital, with case management care, and in the outpatient clinic. This patient had multiple GSWs, which led to a significant abdominal injury requiring multiple surgeries and significant long-term wound care. Vicki worked diligently with the physicians and case management team to ensure he had all the care necessary when he was discharged. After being discharged, there were issues with the home health agency that accepted his care, and they were unable to provide the care necessary for the patient once he was home. Vicki worked tirelessly with the patient and case management team to ensure the patient received the proper care for his wounds and TPN/nutrition care so he could continue to heal properly over the following months. Vicki and our wonderful case management team were successful in finding home health care for the patient, but without her extraordinary passion for caring for her patient, it would not have been possible. Vicki builds such a wonderful rapport with each of her patients and truly is a deserving individual of this special award.