Maria Gutierrez
January 2022
Maria
Gutierrez
,
MSN, RN, CPAN
Recovery room Services
MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center
Laguna Hills
,
CA
United States
Without Maria's continued support and faith in me, I would not be where I am today as a nurse.
When I interviewed with Maria I was intimidated, she was so full of knowledge and experience, whereas I had only been a nurse for a year. I took an EKG quiz and toured the unit, and somehow by the end of my interview, she made me feel comfortable and knowledgeable. I was thrilled when offered the position because I knew I had great leaders to support me and learn from. Little did I know how much she would truly challenge me. When many say challenge, they think of something terrible or derogatory, but that is not how Maria works. Maria fought to draw out my potential. Pushing me to better myself as a nurse. I had not even been here for a year when she encouraged me to get involved by adding me to two committees.
At the end of year one, she had me apply for my first APPLS clinical advancement. Maria has led by example. She is involved in the daily working of the unit and is the true engine of our smooth-running machine. Amid COVID, I was in an isolation room when my patient began deteriorating in front of my eyes. The patient had lost IV access, and their BP continued to decrease. The charge nurse called STAT nurse for the emergency, but they were in procedure and had limited staff. Physicians had placed orders for the patient to transfer to ICU, but no beds were available. My PAPR batteries were dying, and I was looking for a last resort before calling it. When I turned around, I saw Maria, PAPR on and a new battery in hand for me. She supported me for nearly two hours while ICU charge nurses, house supervisors, and ultimately ultrasound was used to establish IV access, and the transfer was made.
Once again, leading by example. Without Maria's continued support and faith in me, I would not be where I am today as a nurse. Maria is the definition of a leader. Always helping and pushing those under her to be their best. She has supported me and encouraged me in my choice to further my education. She has been a listening ear during the tough times and an advocate for our staff when needed. She is the definition of a true leader, and I am grateful to work under her every day.
At the end of year one, she had me apply for my first APPLS clinical advancement. Maria has led by example. She is involved in the daily working of the unit and is the true engine of our smooth-running machine. Amid COVID, I was in an isolation room when my patient began deteriorating in front of my eyes. The patient had lost IV access, and their BP continued to decrease. The charge nurse called STAT nurse for the emergency, but they were in procedure and had limited staff. Physicians had placed orders for the patient to transfer to ICU, but no beds were available. My PAPR batteries were dying, and I was looking for a last resort before calling it. When I turned around, I saw Maria, PAPR on and a new battery in hand for me. She supported me for nearly two hours while ICU charge nurses, house supervisors, and ultimately ultrasound was used to establish IV access, and the transfer was made.
Once again, leading by example. Without Maria's continued support and faith in me, I would not be where I am today as a nurse. Maria is the definition of a leader. Always helping and pushing those under her to be their best. She has supported me and encouraged me in my choice to further my education. She has been a listening ear during the tough times and an advocate for our staff when needed. She is the definition of a true leader, and I am grateful to work under her every day.