Patty always arrives at work like there isn't anywhere she would rather be. She's in good spirits, great sense of humor, and the sleeves are always rolled up as she comes through the door.

Her energy is often infectious. She is very quick to notice the hard work and accomplishments of her colleagues and commend them on a job well done. She is also quick to notice if something is wrong and offer a kind word, a cup of tea, a hug or ask what she can do.

Patty is one of the first people to volunteer to help anyone do anything. She will often take the heavier or less desirable assignments to give someone else a break. If she has a light assignment, she makes sure everyone knows she is available to help. She's quick to offer her time if someone needs a day off or switch.

Patty treats every patient and family like they are the only ones who matter. Not only does she care how the patient is doing, but also makes sure the families are also ok. She goes back in to say hello to everyone, even when no longer assigned.

I give Patty the credit for inventing an ingenious way to shampoo the hair of a critically ill patient. She puts them in a stretcher chair, if possible. She then places an open trash bag around their shoulders. A suction catheter is placed in the trash bag. There is no way she spares the warm, soapy water for the convenience of a shampoo cap. She brings the Lahey Spa Treatment to a new level. Not only do the patients love it, but the families appreciate the extra touch. She has a locker that she keeps supplies and a hairdryer!

It doesn't matter how complicated it is, Patty is the first one to get whatever equipment she needs to get the patient out of bed. She knows how good it is mentally as well as physically and is always up for the challenge.

Patty is the nurse who will be found at the bedside comforting a scared patient or family member. She holds their hand, strokes their forehead and gets them through. Drugs can't accomplish what the tender touch of a caring nurse can. Patty once said to me, if a patient is crabby, they are usually in pain or scared. I have remembered that and through the years have found it to be very true and have reacted very differently. It is amazing how different the patient seems once they realize they are safe and their pain is well managed.

Patty is the nurse who bundles up the patient for a breath of fresh air after a prolonged hospital stay. If outside isn't safe option, you very well may see a stretcher chair doing laps around the unit with one very happy patient.

She has an attic at home that must resemble a Hallmark store. No matter the occasion, our unit becomes decorated. (Do most people REALLY decorate for Groundhog Day?) If a patient needs a pick-me-up, their room becomes decorated, too. If someone is having a party or event, Patty makes a list of things she has that will fit the theme and will soon be in with bags piled so high, she can't see over the top. If someone is going away, Patty comes in with brochures and info. She remembers and appreciates the staff. She always thanks everyone from the nurses, nursing assistants, mobility techs, secretaries and housekeepers for their efforts. At the holidays, she remembers the ancillary staff and makes up something for them. She brings snacks for everyone often. If someone has a baby, she is the first to bring something in. She certainly doesn't leave out our four legged additions!

Patty always has a positive attitude. She puts everyone else before herself and doesn't complain about it. She does not get involved in drama. If the staff is grumbling, she manages to come up with a positive attitude and it usually gets nipped.

Our patients and families know how lucky they are to have a friendly, upbeat, skilled nurse. We know how lucky we are to have a trusted colleague who can count on personally and professionally. Congratulations on a consistent job well done!