Connie Tadeo is an exceptional Psychiatric nurse. Her tough yet motherly approach commands respect from patients, doctors, and her fellow nurses. I recall one occasion when a new patient was getting loud and verbally aggressive; Connie came up to the patient (who's not even her patient at that time) and spoke to him sternly, authoritatively, but calmly reassuring the patient. She was able to get him to take a PRN medication as well. From that first encounter, that patient always respected and listened to her.
Connie has a special way of getting tough/violent patients to relax, listen, and take their medications. For patients too disorganized or depressed to maintain their ADLs, she always makes sure they showered, changed their clothes, and that their bedside is clean and tidy. When we have nursing students, she takes the initiative to find patients they can interview and orient them thoroughly to the unit.
Connie is a team player who is always willing to help. She always goes beyond what she is supposed to do. I admire her work ethics and her calm yet authoritative demeanor. She is a pleasure to work with and I always look forward to working with her. It's a good day when Connie is on the schedule.