I would like to recognize Mary for going above and beyond this morning with one of our surgical patients, whom we admitted this morning. In the most respectful manner, this patient was visibly dirty and smelled awful. Mary did not hesitate to start the admission and essentially gave him a bed bath. There are two reasons I feel that she went above and beyond. One being the patient did not need, "per criteria" an additional CHG wipe down, but she gave the patient the wipes and instructed him on how to clean up. When she went back into the room to wipe his back, she noticed he was still not clean. Mary got a second pack of wipes and continued to help clean him. She knew he was at risk for infection in his current state. After the second set of CHG wipes was used, Mary noticed the state of the patient's feet. Again, they were visibly dirty, so she and the nursing support (who stayed to help the entire time to assist) gathered a basin and rags. They commenced to WASHING/SCRUBBING the patient's feet. It is not often that we experience individuals who are not properly cleansed in the ambulatory surgery world.
The second reason I believe Mary and her nursing support went above and beyond is because they were extremely kind to this gentleman throughout the entire process, educating him on the risk of infections and how it is so important to keep clean before, after, and during the surgery process. They also talked to him about how to take care of himself at home with his current barriers. They ensured that he stayed dignified the entire time and did not allow him to feel ashamed. Mary took care of this patient in all possible aspects: Mind, Body, and Soul. They treated him with LOVE, DIGNITY, and RESPECT throughout the process. This is not the first time I have seen Mary help take extra care and time with patients to cleanse them and provide a safe environment to ensure patients' safety. Mary is always helping out her coworkers to do tasks and solve problems. She cares about each person as an individual and is genuine to all, coworkers and patients alike.