Our hospital has chosen as its values Patient Focus, Integrity, Quality, Compassion, and Teamwork. What makes some nurses truly extraordinary is how consistently they put all these values into practice. Fortunately for everyone she encounters, Myles Cocson (her first name is Milagros, which means "miracle" but everyone calls her Myles) brings these exceptional qualities to work with her every day. For more than ten years she has been an Ob/Gyn clinic nurse here at KFSH & RC who is highly valued by patients, physicians, and co-workers.
For patients, Myles is a nurse they ask for by name. They come looking for her, whether from past experience or from recommendations from other patients or physicians, her attention is sought after. In a hectic, busy clinic it can be difficult to feel acknowledged as an individual, but not for patients in Myles' care. Going out of her way is no challenge to her, every hour of every shift. Patients consistently relate similar experiences: Myles acting as their advocate, Myles listening intently then acting to meet her patients' needs, Myles staying with them. She assures them when they are the most vulnerable and in need of care.
We've seen countless examples of Myles showing compassion with professionalism. In an intense and high risk obstetric clinic, rather than wait for a care assistant she will take action herself, giving priority to a distressed patient in labor and escorting her to the delivery unit, handing her off with every reassurance and then going out of her way to visit with her after delivery. Patients often come back to the clinic, simply to visit with her and to thank her for being there in their hour of need, to tell her what a difference she made to them and to their families. "We can't thank her enough," said one family.
A young woman, being seen in the Gyn clinic, was faced with the diagnosis of an aggressive cancer and the need for immediate admission. The family was frightened and unsure, but Myles sensed what support the family needed at that moment and immediately collaborated with physicians, patient relations, a social worker, the admission office and the receiving inpatient unit to streamline the admitting process, and immediately reduced the immense stress felt by the whole family. Tears and initial feelings of being overwhelmed soon turned into a sense of calm and direction, with family members better able to cope with what lay ahead. Myles instinctively got everyone quickly moving in the same direction with a sense of purpose and relief for the patient and her loved ones.
As the first responder to a code blue in the clinic, Myles' rapid assessment, excellent communication skills, and focus on teamwork played a large role in the successful outcome.
For physicians, "Myles is a nurse who is always there for patients and doctors". Dr. AlBadawi, Gyn Oncology consultant and chairman of the Ob/Gyn Department, requested to be included in the nomination. "The first thing I have always been impressed with is her wonderful interactions with patients, considerate to all their circumstances. Despite how busy it may be in the clinic, she has a big smile and doesn't make patients feel pressured." Integrity means "doing the right thing in a reliable way" and that is Myles, "she says she will do something and she does it".
Says another, "she's always taking the next step, always following up, always ensuring things are done properly." Dr. Wesam Kurdi, a consultant in Perinatology/Fetal Medicine chose Myles to be part of the OSCE clinical exams for medical students. "I can rely on Myles. Whether working as a recruiter, a role player, or an organizer, she always performs to perfection."
For co-workers, Myles is a role model. We've seen her skills as a leader in her role as the clinic's very successful UBC chair, in her coordinating activities at Quality Days and at the very well attended Cervical Cancer Awareness Day presented by the clinic for patients, hospital staff, and the community. She co-developed the event's poster with it's message, "Having a Pap test takes less time than putting on your make-up, get screened!" Very effective message, Myles! For many years she has led on the ongoing PI project of Hand Hygiene, developing awareness activities that have resulted in improved outcomes.
Myles leads by making a difference, and her guiding principle is dependability. Her co-workers say it best. "She never hesitates to help, no matter how busy she is." "You can depend on her." "She has such a sense of humor, energy, and enthusiasm. It makes going to work more enjoyable and rewarding for all of us!".
On behalf of patients and their families, physicians, and her co-workers, thank you, Myles, for all that you do.