When the COVID pandemic started, 3 East was the unit chosen to admit COVID patients. When 3 East was full, 4 West was chosen as the secondary COVID unit. Most of us were nervous and maybe some were a little scared, but it was a challenge that we accepted, and, I believe, excelled at. I was witness to many of our staff members taking so much of their time to not only medically care for these patients, but also support them emotionally. When Michele Kirkbride was still a floor nurse, she remained present at the bedside of our first COVID death. She spoke with the patient and assured her that she would be by her side until the very end. She made sure that the patient said goodbye to her family via FaceTime on an iPad. Audrey spent time with a patient who was scared of dying from COVID. Every shift, she would spend a little extra time with him to talk with him and ease his anxiety. I've watched staff hold the hands of the sickest COVID patients and stroke their hair for comfort. I've watched them be their cheerleaders, supporting them and rooting for them to get better. I've watched them cry as their hearts broke when they lost a patient. These are just a few examples of many of how staff excelled in the care of these patients. These nurses and techs faced some of the most gut-wrenching, heartbreaking, and emotionally and physically debilitating times of their lives, and do so with their heads held high and with the same amount of care provided to each and every single patient. 

Multiple staff members also worked hundreds of extra hours through the pandemic to fill staffing holes, regardless of how exhausted they were. Not only did they do it with each other, but they did it for their patients. It was easy to get attached to a patient that had been admitted for an extended period of time, and I know that some staff worked extra just to be able to spend more time with them. 

Most importantly, through all of this, the entire unit came together to support each other. We all worked together tirelessly to provide the best care possible to every single patient. 

The pandemic isn't the only time I have seen staff provide exceptional care though. I watched Billie and our unit manager, Christie, hold the hand of a patient that needed life-threatening surgery. Billie stayed past her shift to make sure the patient was taken care of and helped transport her to surgery. Christie called multiple family members so someone could be with the patient when she had surgery. A group of night shift staff had realized that it was a patient's birthday, so they brought her a piece of cake and a happy birthday button to pin on her gown and sang her "Happy Birthday." Another night shift nurse bought clothes and shoes for a patient that was homeless. Many patients have raved over the excellent care Sandy had provided from brushing the knots out of their hair to making sure they had everything they needed. I've watched multiple staff members hug patients before they're discharged or hug them "just because." The amount of love these nurses and techs show to their patients is absolutely immeasurable.  

I think it is also a notable accomplishment that, despite the pandemic and all of its hurdles, 4 West was successful in creating the Comprehensive Medical Unit (CMU). The launch of CMU has increased patient satisfaction and decreased the length of stay while also ensuring patients go home educated and well-informed to reduce the risk of readmission. Our team of dedicated CMU physicians has improved nurse and physician communication and relationships which has improved the care of every patient admitted. 

I know all of these stories I have told don't even begin to demonstrate everything 4 West has done positively on their unit for each other and for their patients. I truly believe 4 West deserves this award for everything they have accomplished and continue to accomplish. We are a team that works together and works together well.