Warren and I have worked together off and on for over ten years. When I was a new nurse in a new environment, he went out of his way to support and teach me new things. Today, we greatly complement each other in our work and are an amazing team that is highly organized and synergistic. He is also a natural teacher who tries to make the experience as interesting and memorable as possible when precepting RN students.

The care he provides to our patients is highly individualized and exemplary all day, every day. One specific example – among many - is a patient was transferred back to our ward who had been non-compliant with medications and treatments and was highly assaultive for many months. Warren met the patient exactly where they were and, by using their strengths, was able to get them back on track within just a few weeks. They are now compliant with medications and have demonstrated safe behavior for over three weeks.

Insights from staff:

Warren remains calm and composed in high-pressure situations, using his skills to de-escalate patients. He serves as a strong advocate for patients, ensuring their needs and preferences are met and they receive the best possible care. He tailors care plans to each patient's unique needs, considering their cultural, social, and personal backgrounds. These approaches are not only consistent with DSHS mission, but this also fosters a therapeutic rapport with patients. Extensive research demonstrates that therapeutic rapport is the most important and influential factor regarding patient treatment outcomes.

So much to say:

• Staunch advocate for patients
• Individualized approach to care
• Caring nature and commitment to patient progress and growth
• Effective leadership skills
• Takes ownership of complex problems – resolution oriented
• Values communication – strong voice!
• Unlimited well of kindness
• Great colleague!
• Credit to the nursing profession
• Amazing time management skills – balances demands of role, while always appearing available to meet with patients and colleagues
• Brings a sense of humor and levity to the role
• Out of the box thinker!
• All-around great person

From patient:

• One patient felt supported during her name change process and being reclassified as female. This patient also felt supported when she was not eating by getting her Ensure and encouraging her to eat which eventually helped when she was suffering from anorexia nervosa.
• Another patient felt listened to as they described their special situation when they were newly transferred to the ward. Warren ensured I got a single room based on my needs. He always listens, is always helpful, attentive when I have something going on, and supports me.
• A patient with a back injury after an MVA felt Warren provided care and concern during the time by ensuring her needs were met through diagnostic imaging, medication management, and follow-up care by physical therapy.
• Another patient feels comforted in the way Warren works with his appointments and provides him with information that eases his mind and “he likes my stupid jokes”.