Shezel O’Neal, the Director of Perinatal Services shared “Marie Zmijewski has worked here since October of 2000. She is an RNC-OB (certified in inpatient obstetrics). She is a CN3 and a HUGE resource to our department. She is one of the most compassionate and kind hearted people I have ever met. Marie is definitely the “mother hen” for the entire department!” Today Marie was surprised with the announcement by Patty Jo Toor, CNO as she stood among a large group of her colleagues. The look on her face was so surprised and she stated that she thought this was for someone else. It is a pleasure to honor Marie and her many contributions.

The Nominations from two of her peers stated:
“Marie exhibits compassion and caring to each and every patient that comes through the door. I’ve seen her handle very difficult patients with grace and gentleness and in calm, reassuring manner that usually always deescalates pressured situations. She genuinely cares about each patient but also each team member. She has a unique ability to put scared or upset patients (and staff) at ease. Her calm demeanor quiets patient nerves or family concerns.

She is profession, kind, and caring with all patients and their families. She provides genuine holistic care for she meets.

She works as a charge nurse on weekends along with balancing her matriarch responsibilities of designing a schedule that takes into consideration each staff members’ desires, needs and preferences. This is a difficult task at best but she always attempts to do all scheduling fairly and equitably with favoritism.

Upon entry to the unit patients are met with her reassuring and confident presence. She takes her time finding out patient’s concerns and worries and conveys that information to the staff caring for that particular patient. An example demonstrated this occurred a few weeks ago. A young girl had been admitted for 15-week fetal demise. After her discharge, the young patient returned with her mother to attempt to get footprints from this tiny baby, which of course had already been sent to South. Taking the time to discuss the process with this patient, she was able to use resources, locate the fetus and with help of others have some offer to go to the morgue and footprint the fetus, have a courier bring the footprints to our unit and arrange for the patient to return the next day to pick it up.

She works together as a team member with all L&D staff providing happy staff which reflects on a positive patient experience. She often puts the needs of others over her own needs.

Her gentle presence is felt as reassuring and calming. She senses the overall picture of the entire unit and makes decisions taking all information into consideration. She stays informed of all situations on L&D, Nursery and MIU and considers the overall situation when making an informed decision. Her energy comes from the secure feeling of her leadership with her team members. She also displays a genuine caring interest in team player’s personal situations. She always does what she says she is going to do and one can be reassured that she will follow-up on all situations.

She us always available to provide support and experience, she maintains a calm approach to patients care even in emergency situations.”