Attempting to recognize a singular episode of Lisa Knoll going above and beyond as a nurse is a nearly impossible task, as she goes above and beyond for both our patients and MICU staff nearly every time she sets foot on the unit. Whether in the role of charge or staff nurse, Lisa functions as an irreplaceable asset to the MICU team. Lisa uses her over 20 years of experience in Masonic’s MICU to seek solutions to current problems while also anticipating future problems and implementing change where she can to keep the MICU running smoothly. She singlehandedly created a cart stocked full of items needed for emergent line placements/procedures. No matter her own patient load, she rounds on the unit daily and ensures that patient rooms are well stocked and ready for the day and that the unit is organized and tidy.
Lisa plays such an integral role on our unit that she even has a drawer appropriately named by the unit as “Lisa’s Drawer,” which she has filled over time with hard-to-find and frequently sought-out items for our nurses and physicians. More important than her constant physical contributions are Lisa’s general warming presence—she truly is the heart of MICU. The phrases, “I want to be Lisa when I grow up,” or “I can’t wait to know as much as Lisa,” have frequently been thrown out by our newer nursing staff (and honestly, even our more experienced nurses). And even though our patient population can’t always express it, they are just as grateful for Lisa as we are. Lisa goes around to every critical patient that she can prior to visiting hours starting and makes sure they look clean, comfortable, and presentable to families.
On busy shifts when it’s hard to find the time to talk with patients or family members, Lisa is the first in the room answering questions and providing reassurance. She has a sixth sense for those in need of a laugh, patients and coworkers alike, and never fails to leave those in need with a much-needed smile by the end of her time with them. Lisa is the coworker you want standing by your side in the middle of an emergency, the mama bear you want in your corner protecting and advocating for you when needed, and the friend you want comforting and consoling you at the end of a rough shift. She never asks for the recognition she so clearly deserves, but we're so grateful for her now and always! |
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