Sue Austin is a true asset to Mariners Hospital and our community. She started with Mariners seven years ago, she freely shares her wealth of knowledge of OR-specific skills and is a key player in our Center of Excellence for Nursing. She provides experience and evidence-based practices to all who work with her. She eagerly volunteers to orient new staff and cross-trains other nurses to ensure the success of our department. A lot of planning goes into surgery between supplies, instruments, and equipment. Sue is always the first one here making sure everything is set up and ready, so she can help the day run smoothly.

She is often requested by patients to be a part of their intraoperative care team. If you were able to listen to her interactions with patients, you would assume she knows all of them. Her care is consistently supportive, safe, and in the best interest of the patient and their family. It is not uncommon to see Sue caring for the patient outside the OR by confirming all questions have been answered and the patient feels confident in their discharge instructions and education. She makes the patients feel confident and reassured about the care they will receive.

Patients often comment regarding the positive support they feel from Sue. She is frequently mentioned on patient surveys. She makes a lasting impact on her patients with patient-centered care. I have heard many stories of how she has comforted patients during difficult times and how their calm spirit in the midst of an emergency was vital to the mental well-being of the patient and their families. Sue is the kindest and most caring nurse I know.