Patty was there the day I was interviewing to become a nurse here at St. Clare. She is the only leader to still be here today from that panel of 7 nurse leaders 14 years ago. She works on the Med Surg Department, but everyone at St. Clare knows Patty because she is always willing to help staff anywhere in the hospital. Her dedication to the patients, the nurses, the organization and the hospital is part of what has made her asset to us all.
Patty loves to learn and explain and teach her fellow nurses, making her a strong unit-based educator. I remember being a new nurse and Patty's office was right outside the hallway I worked on. Patty would always jump up and help explain things to me—without me even asking for help. Because she was right there, I was blessed to learn many skills, ways to explain things and ways to chart things from a seasoned expert! Patty was a night shift med surg nurse for a long time before she became our educator. She has personally touched so many lives, but with her years of educating nurses, that touch has spread through thousands of nurses to patients and families.
Patty enjoys collaborating and is eager to take on a task or team project. Her work on staff and patient education helped St. Clare be recognized by the Joint Commission for their Hip and Knee replacement programs and earn their Gold Seal.
In Shared Governance, Patty happily took on the development and engagement council—helping nurses to grow in skills, working with staff on their department staffing, but also advocating for recognition for nurses, doctors, and techs. She helps set up every DAISY, Gold Star and Sunflower celebration at St. Clare hospital, which is no small task. She works with the leadership team and nursing staff to make this recognition meaningful to the recipient, something she has always been good at. I would know, Patty nominated me for the DAISY Award many years ago and was there for my celebration. I am so happy to be here celebrating the many years of nursing service and education Patty has given to us at St. Clare. The hospital will not be the same without her cheerful and guiding hand! Thank you, Patty, and congratulations on a well-deserved DAISY Award and retirement!