Diane makes a difference every day while working as a nurse at the Midtown STARS program. Diane truly models the Eskenazi/Midtown PRIDE values in many ways. The STARS program has recently experienced a high level of turnover, resulting in Diane acting as the only full-time nurse in a program serving over 500 vulnerable and high needs clients. However, I don't believe many clients or their families would know this. Diane appears to seamlessly handle multiple responsibilities at the same time while remaining professional and cheerful in her demeanor and attitude. In addition to this, she never hesitates to answer a question or help the team out. I regularly go to her to seek assistance with communication with the pharmacy and education on psychiatric medication. Diane has worked in mental health for over 30 years and it is quite evident she understands well how each profession works together to provide excellent care to our clients. She always communicates with me when we need to collaborate to help a client we share. Most importantly, she always respects our clients and acts in a professional manner, even when faced with clients who are verbally or physically aggressive. Diane gets the job done, even when faced with daunting tasks, such as administering venipuncture services to a client who is on the Autism spectrum and cannot handle being touched. It truly takes a special nurse to not only effectively work with the care team but also a population of individuals with moderate to severe mental illness and Intellectual Disabilities. Diane is the kind of nurse I would want to take care of me and my family.
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Diane is an over 30 year veteran of Community Psychiatry and has spent her last 20 years serving the clients of the Midtown STARS program. STARS clients have co-occurring mental illness and developmental disabilities. As a nurse with this specialty Diane has had to master the art of delivering nursing services in a way that engages our clients, to ensure their stability and wellness. As you can imagine, our clients don't always understand the need for blood draws or injections. Her compassionate tone, soothing voice, and a knack for verbalizing medical regimens is remarkable and ensures that the client understands and collaborates in their own care. STARS clients have extensive residential teams and Diane's excellent communication ensures client care is well communicated. Often before stabilized, STARS clients can have verbal and physical aggression. Diane has the ultimate skills to calm clients when at their most difficult. She knows when to be directive or supportive and changes her approach to meet client needs. Many times we are amazed that a client received a needed injection or treatment because of special approach with each client. In addition to her exquisite nursing skills, Diane is a natural team leader, supporting and encouraging staff during times of stress or change, which is often. Staff members go to her for direction and support and she is always compassionate, cheerful and wise. The STARS team has been so lucky to have Diane Rux as their Staff Nurse 2 for over 20 years and she is planning to retire in December. Diane is a true DAISY Nurse for her impeccable care to a very challenging population, where she has surely defined the art of nursing with all the Eskenazi PRIDE values, every day.