Often times we as healthcare workers focus so intensely on patient needs that we forget to put ourselves or our teammates on the "to do" list. We need to be cared about and cared for also.
Today Melanie exemplified that when an incident occurred on PCU. We had an MD who had appropriate concerns about a patient's care but expressed those concerns in an inappropriate manner. After both the RN and I took some very abrasive and demeaning outbursts from this doctor, I spoke with Mel and she immediately got her cell phone out and called this doctor to discuss this.
Mel's willingness to get involved; to advocate for this nurse; and her skill in bridging communication gaps-especially in times of heightened emotions and stress, exemplifies her commitment and compassion to patients; assuring that collaborative relationships are established, maintained, and strengthened. Both the physician and the nurse gained from Mel's skill and willingness to bridge communications. It really means a lot that Melanie will teach us and grow us as a team.
Mel excels at putting staff on her "CNS worklist" to support, care for and provide for professional and relational development. The work place is so much nicer knowing we have an advance practice nurse on our team that truly cares about the team.