Nurse Susan Bernal has worked at Maimonides medical Center for more than 20 years and still carries the flame of what the term ‘nursing’ is all about. Her passion for her profession is evident in her desire to help new recruits and educate her pairs to grow and develop to excellence. Ms. Bernal took on the task of the nursing grand rounds project for 6E and motivated her colleagues to greatness. The staff was engaged under her guidance to work together as a team on their own time to achieve their goal. Susan Bernal mentored and coach her colleagues until they were knowledgeable and proficient in communicating the key elements of the topic under study to present to the nursing audience. Susan invests her time, money, and expertise for a good cause. She goes beyond the call of duty. This is evident in her patient to nurse relationship.
Susan Bernal is a nurse who gets to know her patients and in so doing can uncover details that patients may not share with others. One case in mind was a patient who was admitted to the unit for a medical condition—this family was concerned about their finances and their ability to care for their child who was born in America although the parents were not citizens. The family was afraid of authority and lack information on how to have their financial needs met. They confided in Susan their fear and Susan took her own time to take the family to the Social Security Office and help the family through the questions and completion of relevant forms so that they would obtain finances for their child. The family is very grateful and continues to keep in touch with Susan. A lasting trust has developed between this nurse and her patient. The organization can count on one loyal customer who is satisfied.
Susan is a leader at the bedside with the ability to mobilize her peers to do whatever is necessary for the success of the unit and the organization. She is respectful to her peers, and anyone she comes into contact with. Her ability to work with patients who are sometimes challenging due to feelings of anxiety or unmet needs is uncanny. Her nurturing, calming ability is good for new recruits who Susan mentors and help through their formative experience until they are ready to stand alone.
When Susan expends her time and energy to go beyond the realm of what her duties constitute she is happy and satisfied just to be a part of the solution and not the problem. Susan deserves to be recognized for her role as a nurse and leader on her unit. The staff of 6 E nominates Susan Bernal for the DAISY Award.