I have worked with Mary Horman for the past 20 years. There are so many stories I could tell, but the one thing I see, after more than 20 years in the ICU, she has not lost her compassion for the patients and their families. Mary tends to take the patient that is difficult to handle, perhaps a head injury, or drug user, and she is usually the first to pick because she knows her personality fits with those people.
That, especially, goes with dealing with difficult families. I've never seen Mary get her feathers ruffled or lose her temper over a difficult patient. She always stays very calm yet has her "mom" voice so lets the person know she is serious. To those who have not taken care of patients or families like this, it may not seem to be anything special, but it is.
Mary is always right there to answer any of their questions, no matter how many times they've asked the same question, and she is excellent at explaining a situation to patients and families. Mary is also very helpful to the entire staff when she is working, especially in the CAT role. She makes sure everyone has had a break and gets lunch. We have been very short on Monitor Clerks and have had to work most of our shifts alone.
Mary always makes sure we get a break, can get to the bathroom, etc. Mary is the most special nurse I've ever met. Her dedication to her patients and their families is beyond anyone I've ever seen.