Sam Patrick, RN, lovingly called and known as “Sam-I-Am” by his co-workers, and his patients; is known for being there for you, whether by lending a helping hand, offering guidance and support, or just being there with his quiet presence. He has dedicated his life to be there for others, not only at work but in his personal life. He lives our Standards of Behavior at work and at play.

What awesome artillery to have in our tool box, if you will pardon the pun. Sam you see started his healthcare journey in the military where he first got involved with Orthopedics. He then continued with his involvement with healthcare by becoming a LPN, then an RN as of July 2009. Little did we know when he was working with PHR as an External Agency nurse, and then with Palmetto Health Resource Staffing throughout our hospital of his wonderful gifts. Now with him permanently on our orthopedic unit, we know what he truly has to offer for our team and our patients and families.

You have never met such a kind and gentle man. He always has a smile. He wears many hats on our unit and does so at one time. He can be a charge nurse, preceptor, and admission nurse, and staff nurse all in one day. He is flexible and adapts to any situation with a can-do-attitude and role models this to his fellow team members.

Patients always comment on his bedside manner, and follow through. Staff that he works with also praises him for his teamwork and ability to help a crazy day seem calm. In fact he always ask others he if can help them, and jumps in to help without being asked. He is consistently recognized on Discharge calls for unit as someone who goes above and beyond to make an extraordinary experience.

We could go on and on about his caring ways on the unit. But we feel the major impact to what he brings to our unit comes from another part his personal life-his Christian ministry. He is caring and compassionate to all that he meets, and is always willing to get involved. He serves as a pastor of a Christian Ministry of which he delivers weekly Wednesday and Sunday services. He is involved in the community by volunteering endlessly. He is involved in providing a weekly meal for the homeless community at his church. He is a sponsor for 20 residents at Tucker Nursing Home. While offering guidance, he never forgets his nursing hat! He refers people to care for their health at the Columbia Free Clinic and Celia Saxon Health Clinic, as well as works to coordinate and provide an annual Health and Wellness Fair assisted by Palmetto Health, United Way, and DSS. As a mentor, he works to support people to transition into healthy normal day to day life whether it be teens who need activities of community service or inmates to get back into the community. He never shies away from a problem, and always is willing to come up with a solution or alternative, and willing to get involved to see it through to success.

On the floor he balances his pastoral duties with his nursing duties, offering to pray with someone prior to surgery, or sing a hymn when requested. All again to selflessly give to another. Again his willingness to volunteer and help support Palmetto Health goals to support the community is easy to see with his involvement with our Total Joint Progam.