Sandy consistently models teamwork as a relief charge nurse and has contributed tremendously in our fight against the current pandemic. When she is in charge, she never hesitates to help fellow staff in need. She doesn't wait until help is asked, but rather maintains an amazing sense of awareness, stepping in exactly when she is needed. She never shies away from difficult or challenging situations. When it was announced that our unit would become a COVID unit, she was one of the first ones to volunteer to work on this unit, despite so much unknown and fear at that time.
Sandy is very detail-oriented when it comes to the needs of her patients. She notices how sometimes a simple warm washcloth that patients can use to wipe their hands and face before starting their day could make all the difference. She pays special attention to the way she and others communicate, knowing that nonverbal communication such as eye contact and touch is just as important as words. Sandy exhibits the Mercy Philosophy through the care of her patients - the kind and reassuring words that she never forgets to provide, the gentle touch of the hand that most patients yearn for, eye contact and a smile to brighten their day, and sometimes just being there to listen.
Sandy loves to learn as well as teach. Yet, she chooses to stay at the bedside because that is what she loves to do. When you look at Sandy and how she treats her patients and her peers, there's no doubt about the authenticity of her statement. She's passionate not just about bedside nursing, but also about how nursing as a profession can continue to advance. She shows a high level of interest in research and takes time to read articles, pulling out pertinent information that could be applied to her nursing practice. When I work with Sandy, I always learn something new. She motivates me in so many ways, helping me to look at obstacles and challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.