Linda has been with us for 28 years and is preparing to retire. I have worked with Linda as a staff nurse and leader. Linda has a calm demeanor. No matter the tone in the OR, Linda is always able to remain calm and bring calmness into the room. During a code, Linda flows into action without hesitation. She is a patient advocate and is willing to speak up.
Recently we had a patient that was bleeding more than expected. The surgeon had left the room. Linda went out to get the surgeon, when the surgeon responded, "Just bring the patient to PACU," Linda said, "No, you need to come to the OR now!"
Linda's mechanical mind keeps things going with equipment in the back. She is on top of knowing the BMDI system and how it affects anesthesia. She is proactive in finding out what to do when the time changes so the Monday following, we don't have a day full of cases and the system not to be working. Linda is able to look at cases and determine how to make the best use of instrument sets to accommodate the schedule. She can figure what is needed according to what the surgeon uses and what can be gotten for each set. She is always positive and reassuring us it will be ok.
Linda speaks up to others on the team to switch roles so they each stay current and comfortable in each role. This ensures our staff can care for patients in the absence of a team member. She can work in any position in surgery. She will speak up to fill in a position to get staff to lunch. Again, with a reassuring, confident manner. Linda is our cheerleader for our Relay for Life Baskets or other activities requesting the team come together and participate. She has been a part of the nurse council, reaching outside her comfort zone. She has also encouraged and support others to join the councils.