Phillis is one of our charge nurse leaders in the operating room. She is greatly appreciated by those in the department because of her knowledge and expertise. She is very detailed oriented in making sure that all of her i's are dotted and her t's are crossed to ensure that everything is in place for patients and their family prior to going to surgery.
Although Dr. S back in the day may not have appreciated it because he's "not a hugger", Phillis always knows how to make someone feel welcomed and special by giving one of her infamous bear hugs.
Phillis was very instrumental in the development of the Colon Coordinator position here at Ascension St. Michael's Hospital. Her innovation in working on this project with all 3 of the general surgeons at the time helped her develop the education for the pre and post care for these patients, which has had a tremendous impact on their experiences. We have been told many times that on the inpatient units, patients have asked to get up and walk because Phillis told me I had to so that it would help me get better faster.
When the colon patients are here for surgery, whether Phillis is in their OR room, prep and hold, or in another room, she always makes time to come and say hello to them prior to going back to the operating room so that they see a familiar face. She has a calming factor with her southern drawl that the patients just love.
Whether it is taking up a collection for a baby shower, organizing the basket raffle donation, or putting together a schedule of food delivery for other staff members out on FMLA, she not only goes above and beyond with her patients but also with her coworkers.