Mary has been a nurse for 40 years. She has never, to my knowledge, been recognized for her devotion and commitment to patients and colleagues. She certainly is deserving. First and foremost, I have never heard Mary say a negative thing about anyone, ever! She is probably the only human being I can truly say that about. She is kind, she is unselfish. She is humble and that is one of her most endearing attributes.
Mary is always precepting an orientee and more recently participated as a mentor for our residency program. She is a resource person for both nurses, residents, and physicians. She supports our I-CARE values because she has moral fiber and integrity that has never been compromised. She is compassionate in all relationships and especially builds trust with the patients and family.
She blends humor with the right touch of seriousness to bring a scary situation under control. Her empathy is limitless. She personalizes her care and connects, heart to heart, with everyone she is in contact with during the course of her 12-hour shift. She displays these values to housekeepers, unit clerks, physicians, administrators alike. She treats everyone equitable.
Mary is accountable and reliable. You know if she calls out, something is very wrong. She creates her own learning path, taking courses and getting certified for her patients' benefit. She wants to do more, to be more each and every day. Most nearing their retirement slow down. Not Mary. She is always encouraging the novice and less seasoned nurses to join her at a conference. She is probably one of the rare nurses who calls doctors 'doctor' and not by their first name. She says please and thank you not once, but several times in an encounter.
She is a fierce advocate for her patients, never hesitating to use CUS or have a questioning attitude when something just doesn't seem right to her. She is mother to all, nurturing yet firm. She is always the first to apply the latest EBP research to the bedside. She volunteers to be a part of task forces and steer projects. She is the consummate role model for our younger generation of nurses. She embraces their differences and utilizes the gifts they have to offer. She believes in their ability to teach us old-timers some new things, while demanding that they respect and learn from the more seasoned nurse. This is perhaps her greatest attribute. She 'sees' EVERYONE. She loves unconditionally.
I cannot think of a more deserving nurse to be recognized. Thank you for your effort to recognize an unsung hero that we are blessed to have among us.