While working at the Winter Park campus of AdventHealth since 2015, I have learned that Patty Hanano is a shining example of skillful and compassionate care. Nursing is something that requires the ability to care for the mind, body, and spirit, which as we know, here at AdventHealth translates into feeling whole. After coming to know Patty and working with her closely I wanted to tell her "thank you" for her contributions to nursing.
Months ago, we began having conversations about her career. In one conversation she told me how back when she started nursing that there were no IV pumps or accucheck machines. She joked, "I am the ghost nurse of the past, and that's why my picture faded on my badge!" I realized that we shared so much in common and she is truly someone that I look up to in nursing. Patty became an RN in 1974-this is the year I was born! Next, I was excited to learn we both are Valencia Nursing Alumni! If you know Patty or me really well, we share the same humor and wit! I am working towards my PCCN and Patty has her certification for years now, proof of her commitment to excellence in nursing!!! She loves gardening and flowers, so I am sure the DAISY pin and all it stands for is perfect for this Extraordinary Nurse! I am so happy to have met and worked with her and will miss her dearly when she retires at the end of this month.
When doing my leader rounds there would be times I notice Patty speed walking through the halls, that was the New Yorker in her that never left (Oh yeah, we are both from NY)! As I pass the room she entered you could see her slow things down as she assessed her patient's concerns and assured them everything was going to be ok. She has a sweet and soft-spoken voice that would instantly calm them. You could always see her grabbing a warm blanket, an ice pack, holding a hand or just giving a few extra minutes of her time to a patient. If ever a team member needed help, a boost, a new IV, or code brown help she would be the first one to volunteer! If another team member had a difficult assignment she was always there to help them, or even volunteer to take the next admission even if it wasn't her turn. She is truly a team player. Patty, with all her tenure, stayed open to learning new things from her co-workers!
She has a great rapport with the interdisciplinary team members as well and the physicians tell me they appreciate her thorough assessments and the background info she manages to obtain. The CDU designated doctor recalls working with Patty and wanted to add that she is "Always cheerful, a good team player and insightful during MD/RN rounds." I will miss seeing the Dunkin Donuts box in the breakroom any shift we shared, she loved to bring in a sweet treat, so we don't get "hangry." I just may have to carry on her donut tradition!
Patty deserves to be recognized and honored for being the special nurse, co-worker, and friend that she is. I am sure she will be humbled knowing the person she is, these qualities of skill, compassion and wit come naturally to her. The DAISY Award is the perfect acknowledgment of all she has given to the wonderful profession of Nursing.