Mary consistently demonstrates an empathy and level of understanding for her patients that goes beyond the normal scope of practice and care. Her spirit, congeniality and compassion are infectious and she performs her duties with a level of confidence that inspires the confidence of others. I have personally witnessed her exceptional level of care giving on numerous occasions; however one instance stands out in my mind.

Mary was caring for a patient that required dialysis and on this particular day the patient was refusing to go for their treatment. Mary came to the patient's bedside, held her hand, rubbed her back and sincerely listened to the patient and her concerns. Without "arguing" with the patient Mary reinforced the importance of the patient's dialysis treatment in a soft and confident voice all the while continuing to make comforting physical contact by holding the patient's hand and gently rubbing her back. When the patient agreed to go to her dialysis treatment Mary congratulated the patient on making the decision and remarked that she knew the patient's family would be so pleased to know that the patient had come to make this decision on her own.

Mary is also a role model and mentor to her coworkers, new hires to her unit and new graduate nurses just starting out. Mary is consistent in her care and attention to detail making sure what when handing her patients off to other areas and services of the Medical Center all orders have been completed, documentation is complete, the patient is prepped and if required that there is a patent IV line.

After more than 45 years as an R.N., Mary Murphy's exceptionally high level of care delivery makes every one of her patients feel as if they are her only patient; makes her coworkers and other supportive staff members' jobs easier and is an example to be emulated by all.