I have had more than one patient tell me that Becky is an example of what a nurse should be and that others should follow her example. I cannot agree more. Becky is incredibly observant of her patients’ condition and when she sees a change, works with her “buddy” RN as appropriate for her Scope of Practice as an LPN. She is routinely rounding and checking in with her patients. She notices and pays attention to all patient needs, whether they be physical, mental, or emotional. She communicates with them and keeps them informed. She is a terrific listener. She follows through on doing her best to answer their questions or get what they need. Most of all, Becky is very non-judgmental. She treats ALL of her patients with respect and dignity, no matter their mentation, social condition, or physical condition. She IS truly an example of what a nurse should be. She is patient, kind, caring, and provides excellent care.

Becky volunteered to take Primary Nurse responsibility for a recent patient, which meant that she would have him in her assignment every day she worked. He was a very difficult patient and all of us believed that his mentation level was not repairable and where he would stay. He was needing placement and that was very difficult as well. He was with us 51 days, 48 in a bed enclosure. Becky also cares about what will happen to patients at discharge and actively engages in discharge planning. She doesn’t give up on patients and keeps working with them to be the best they can be when they leave. She kept encouraging conversations and activities that would work toward improved memory, decision making, and independence. As always, she was patient and respectful. The patient responded very well. He was able to come out of the bed enclosure. He was able to be placed without difficulty related to his behavior. He was remembering staff names and visiting with them. He even ordered some treats for everyone one shift and wrote out Blueberries for a few staff.

Others contributed to this patient’s more positive outcome, but I believe Becky’s untiring professionalism and kindness was a driving force and inspiration to her coworkers. The shift that discharged him signed a goodbye card and wished him well when he left.

I can’t say enough about how grateful I am to have a nurse like Becky Pagel to work with.