Not only is Maria dedicated to Henry Ford and teamwork, always there to help anyone, but she is also a wonderful, caring and compassionate nurse to her patients and their families.
We had a patient on our unit, N. We have what are called "teams" on our unit so nurses have their patients throughout their stay. Maria took care of N who had two daughters and was married to her second husband. Her husband never left her side. However, N's ex-husband was in Henry Ford at the same time. He was the father of the two daughters and ended up passing away. After his passing, N gave up. She wouldn't eat, drink or talk. The daughters were devastated after just losing their father and now their mom was giving up.
Maria bonded with the family. We would hear her sing to the patient, encourage her, and talk to her about fighting for her family. Maria likes to tell "corny" jokes, too. Maria spends a lot of time with her patients, as well as their families, and really gets to know them. Maria is a nurse who cares!
After days of discussion, with heavy hearts, N was transferred to hospice. One morning, days later while walking into the hospital for my shift, I ran into N's husband and one daughter. N only had hours to live, and they wanted me to tell everyone on our unit, "Thanks." They then told me about Maria's visit.
After her shift the night before, Maria went to N's room. The family was in tears recalling the visit. Apparently N would sing Maria's name whenever she came in the room. She had sung it the day before. Maria's visit and words of love, life and courage went straight to their hearts. Maria talked about things N did and said during her stay on Unit 45 Rehab. Then with everyone around N's bed, hands held, Maria said a heart-warming prayer over N.
This family felt calmer and understood more. Their outpouring to me touched me and showed me what Maria and her visit meant to them. They were both in tears relaying the story. I am glad I ran into the family, for Maria never mentioned the visit.
Maria demonstrates the type of nurse deserving of the DAISY Award. She is an extraordinary nurse who made a difference for this family.