Mary a long time charge nurse in the unit recently took on a new challenge when she agreed to assume the role of manager of the ICU. She is a positive influence for her fellow staff members; new and seasoned nurses look towards Mary for her expert knowledge in critical care nursing and her compassionate care of her team and her patients and families. Mary is always willing to help including redecorating the nurses lounge; sincerely wanting to support ICU nurses in any manner. Through her role with rapid responses she has also earned the respect of floor nurses and is equally supportive of nurses outside the unit.
Nursing leadership and colleagues comment on her ability to communicate effectively with patients and families especially during transitions involving End of Life (EOL) discussions. She was an early adopter of the 'White Wreath' program which honors patients and supports families at EOL. Mary willingly volunteered to decorate the first wreaths. She goes out of her way to make new nurses feel supported and always willing to precept a new nurse or a student. Recently Mary took on another professional development challenge serving as PT clinical instructor for Trocaire nursing students. She is beloved by her students and provides an outstanding clinical environment while nurturing her student's passion for nursing. She is also helping to shape the practice of novice nurses in our community and she is a great role model.
Mary gives generously of her time; she is the chairperson of the ICU UPC and was instrumental in getting the council up and running. With colleagues she was also an early adopter of open visiting hours in the unit to support families and patients. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, International Honor Society for Nursing and the Professional Nurse's Association of WNY. A believer in the critical need for a nurse to be a continual learner, Mary returned to school to complete her BSN in 2012 and is currently enrolled in Daemen's Executive Leadership and Change master's program. She holds the prestigious nursing certification in neuro critical care and has done so since 2010 and recently obtained her Wound Care Certification (WCC).
Going above and beyond is an inherent part of Mary both personally and professionally. Listening to a family's desire to have all the siblings together before the passing of their parent she learned that one sibling was incarcerated. She reached out to the correctional facility to make arrangements for this patient's son to be at his bedside. The next day, the son was able to be at his father's bedside and bring their family together. This is not an isolated incident of devotion to patients. Mary shows her co-workers, peers, and families what excellence means by caring for mind, body and spirit.