April 2010
Tara
McGaughy
,
RN
MICU
St. Vincent's East
Birmingham
,
AL
United States

 

 

 

Tara has shown compassion for her patients and families as noted by many compliments received on patient rounds and discharge phone calls. Examples of comments: “Tara took her time with me, she was not in a rush”. “Tara called the Chaplain when I was upset and stayed with me until the chaplain arrived”. “ I have been in the hospital for many days and she feels like family to me. We, patient, and family, have a running joke about her being an Alabama fan”.
Tara takes the time to nurture new associates and students. She encourages their input, asks questions to make them think, and help them find the answers when needed. She helps them along without being the whole crutch. She has ability to take a firm stance when needed- with patients, families, co-associates, physicians- and be kind at the same time. Her known statement, “The patient comes first, that is why I am here”.
One physician called and was taking up for her when he thought she was in trouble over a family concern. When explained to him that she was not in trouble, I was made aware that she is an excellent nurse and he did not want her hurt in anyway.
She takes the time to go visit the patients when they have been transferred out of the unit to check on them and wish them well before they are discharged.