Liss unfailingly has a smile on her face, a calm demeanor, and a willingness to step in and help without even having to be asked. One day last week, I was charge nurse on the unit and Liss was willing to extend her shift from 11 AM-3 PM to help out, as we were short staffed, even though she was already on overtime and had already picked up the 7 AM-11 AM shift. She did this willingly, with a big smile, and no complaints.
I had a four-patient assignment on our highly acute and active unit. She asked if I wanted her to give medications for one of my patients who was beginning to show signs of anxiety, intrusiveness, and agitation. I said, "Sure!" as I was busy with issues on the other 3 units. When I came back to the unit, she said "I can go ahead and do medications for your other three patients, if you want. I know you're busy." I was so appreciative!
Liss's shift and mine ended at 3 PM. I was late getting out after giving a lengthy report to the next charge nurse. I had left but had to come back to the unit because I forgot something. As I was walking back in, Liss was also walking back in carrying a container of Shamrock Shakes from McDonald's. Even though she was clocked out, she left and came back with milkshakes for staff on the next shift, just "because". It had been a rough day, and she knew the next shift was going to be challenging. It was a selfless act of kindness!
Liss embodies so much of what is important in a coworker, plus she is phenomenal with our patients, and she is new! She's only been with us about a year. I wish we could clone her.