I've had the pleasure of working side by side with Renee on the units on night shift. When I returned to PVH 10 years ago we worked the night shift together. From the moment I met her I realized what a special soul she was and there certainly was never a day that went by that she wasn't working her hardest for her patients and as a team member. She has consistently demonstrated her true care, compassion, empathy, understanding and advocacy for mental health patients. She has been never afraid to speak up, question, or argue on behave of her patients. No matter how busy she is during her night or day shifts she always took the time to listen to her patients or offer them a pat on the hand or hug if needed.
In 2013 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. For many people, this would have stopped them in their tracks, not Renee. She continued to work while enduring the cancer fighting chemo. She never complained and continued to provide dedicated and compassionate care to others. She fought with all her stubbornness, hardheadedness, and will to beat that demon, coming out victorious. She never gave up on herself or her patients. All this while caring for her husband and three children.
Patients adore her. She has that down to earth approach with her patients. They love her sense of humor and respect her when she shoots straight with them and tells them the hard stuff no one else will. They respect her for this. Her infectious laugh will get you every time.
Her co-workers love her! Never once would you hear "oh man I've got to work with Renee" but "can I please work with Renee". She provided safety and security on any shift or unit she was on. You just knew it was going to be a good shift or if it went sideways, she was going to be right there to help with whatever task or job needed to be done. She has always demonstrated advocacy for her co-workers as well and outside of the work environment, she continued to show her support and love to any co-worker in need.
In 2015 she went back to school to further her education so she could one day fulfill her dream of being a leader and educator within the facility. She wanted to help guide and direct other staff members/nurses in the care of mental health patients. She saw holes that she wanted to fill with her leadership abilities. Off she ran to complete her BSN 2018. She was almost done with her last class and had accepted the long-awaited and well-deserved position of Nurse Manager with the Adult & Senior Campus when the demon struck her again. She finished her class and graduated with her BSN and has been working in her new role while fighting this new demon with the strength, dignity, and positivity like no other. She continues to fight for her patients and comes to work even when she doesn't feel well. She shows a true dedication to HCA and co-workers but most importantly to her patients.