Rita Mathis
January 2020
Rita
Mathis
,
RN
OR
Banner Boswell Medical Center
Sun City
,
AZ
United States
I have had the privilege of working with many excellent nurses during 47 years as a registered nurse, but of all these superior nurses, there is one who stands out as the quintessential nurse. Rita Mathis has worked side-by-side with me for 23 years. We both circulate total joint surgeries in the O.R., so when I needed my knee replaced, who else would I choose to be my nurse but Rita!?!
I nominated Rita for the DAISY Award, not only for the superior care she gave me but for the exceptional compassionate care, she has given every patient she has taken care of for the past 41 years. Rita is the sweetest, kindest, most compassionate, and friendly person you could ever have the privilege to meet, even if you have to have surgery to meet her! She goes above and beyond the routine job duties to make certain her patients have the best surgical experience and outcome. Whether it's a pillow, a warm blanket, a hand held lovingly, or soothing words as they drift off to sleep, Rita reduces their anxiety and proves to her patients that they are her #1 priority.
This same care is extended to her surgeons and coworkers. She is efficient and organized so there are no delays. If a coworker requires a helping hand or a room needs mopping, she is right there helping. She is also a great teacher to the student nurses as they rotate through the department. The foundation of patient care is a large knowledge base.
Beginning with her BSN, 3 years in ICU, 38 years in the OR, certifications in OR, nursing, and gerontology, Rita continues to go to seminars, studies the OR nursing journals, and shares the information with her peers. She uses that information to suggest improvements to our department's policies and procedures. When our policy changed to cross-match patients for blood transfusions in surgery, Rita was proactive and streamlined the process. She accumulated the forms and supplies, typed a list of instructions, and oriented the staff.
I'm sure lives have been saved because Rita saw a need and fulfilled it. The DAISY Award is a wonderful way to highlight the numerous ways nurses make positive impacts on their patients. Rita Mathis is the best nurse I have ever worked with, her dedication and a lifetime of commitment to excellence make her a true DAISY Nurse.
Thank you.
I nominated Rita for the DAISY Award, not only for the superior care she gave me but for the exceptional compassionate care, she has given every patient she has taken care of for the past 41 years. Rita is the sweetest, kindest, most compassionate, and friendly person you could ever have the privilege to meet, even if you have to have surgery to meet her! She goes above and beyond the routine job duties to make certain her patients have the best surgical experience and outcome. Whether it's a pillow, a warm blanket, a hand held lovingly, or soothing words as they drift off to sleep, Rita reduces their anxiety and proves to her patients that they are her #1 priority.
This same care is extended to her surgeons and coworkers. She is efficient and organized so there are no delays. If a coworker requires a helping hand or a room needs mopping, she is right there helping. She is also a great teacher to the student nurses as they rotate through the department. The foundation of patient care is a large knowledge base.
Beginning with her BSN, 3 years in ICU, 38 years in the OR, certifications in OR, nursing, and gerontology, Rita continues to go to seminars, studies the OR nursing journals, and shares the information with her peers. She uses that information to suggest improvements to our department's policies and procedures. When our policy changed to cross-match patients for blood transfusions in surgery, Rita was proactive and streamlined the process. She accumulated the forms and supplies, typed a list of instructions, and oriented the staff.
I'm sure lives have been saved because Rita saw a need and fulfilled it. The DAISY Award is a wonderful way to highlight the numerous ways nurses make positive impacts on their patients. Rita Mathis is the best nurse I have ever worked with, her dedication and a lifetime of commitment to excellence make her a true DAISY Nurse.
Thank you.