Wandalene Arnold has been a valued member of the Emory St. Joseph's Hospital family for 30 years. She exemplifies what advocacy is all about, encouraging patients and cheerfully supporting her colleagues. Her teammates always know she will be there shoulder-to-shoulder with them to help manage any crisis to the best resolution possible. The physicians rely on her to keep them updated on critical patient condition changes throughout the night. Her positive attitude reflects a deep compassion for her patients and staff.
Wanda's goal in CCU is always tangibly evident: strive to exceed the expectations in patient care within and beyond our doors. We recently had a patient that needed a lot of attention. Wanda took the time to listen to the patient and family. The next night the patient told her daughter she could go home and sleep because she knew Wanda would be there to take care of all her needs. The fact that a patient and family member trust her with their care is a great complement to the nurse at the bedside.
Wanda brings a joyful spirit and a willingness to see the humor in situations. This is an invaluable trait when dealing with the critically ill. Her ability to find humor when it is appropriate fosters a strong esprit de corps, keeping morale high within her Unit. The mission of St. Joseph's Hospital has always been referred to as The Mercy Philosophy. Wanda exemplifies our mission with her own: to be that voice for those that can't speak for themselves so that they receive the best possible care her unit can provide.
In the community, Wanda has spent many years volunteering for Mercy Care. She volunteers through her church to help the less fortunate. Wanda helps our newer nurses realize that compassion is as important as medications and treatments. Wanda loves being a nurse and it shows in every time she takes care of a patient at Saint Joseph's. She makes me proud to be a nurse and I am a better nurse from working all these years with her.