Joshua Cruz, RN, a circulator in the OR is an exemplary employee in regards to his skill, dedication, and willingness to work as a strong team player with his colleagues. To take the description of Joshua a step further, he extends his professionalism beyond the operating room area. Many clinical nurses, doctors, and staff come into contact with Joshua on a daily basis and he greets all with kindness, quiet confidence, and professionalism. Anyone working with Joshua can appreciate and experience his authentic qualities of caring and compassion.
A particular circumstance really brought Joshua's attributes to the forefront when he entered the PACU a month ago along with a patient who had just undergone surgery. As always, Joshua stayed with the patient, helped hook up the patient to the equipment in the PACU, and assisted the PACU nurses with getting the patient settled. However, this particular patient went into a witnessed respiratory arrest and Joshua's intuitive nursing instincts sprang into action enabling him to assist the anesthesiologist and me with the necessary resuscitation measures. Keeping a calm and composed attitude at all times, Joshua moved around to be helpful and facilitate the emergent situation all while never alarming those around him. He was anticipatory in his thinking and his Emergency Room/Critical Care mindset was displayed right before our eyes. He discerned quickly with me what needed to be done without it even being spoken. My patient, with the help of Joshua's extremely appropriate swift thinking and skilled nursing interventions, was stabilized within minutes. Joshua also never left the bedside until he knew the patient was okay despite having another case waiting to be started in the OR. This genuine concern for the well-being of our patient was not overlooked by the clinicians who observed the situation that day. Quite honestly, it is Joshua's daily signature posture here at the workplace.
The result of his actions is always a well-cared for patient and colleagues who really value his dependable abilities and strengths. Joshua never appears as if he is in a rush and always gives whoever he is with his undivided attention. Joshua is always present when he is with his patients/families and when he's interacting with his peers. In addition, he does all of this humbly, always with a smile, and consistently displays peace of mind.
I am truly grateful for all his efforts this day and every day that Joshua gives to his patients. We are also grateful for the greatest positive energy he spreads to those around him every day. Whether it's an ordinary straightforward case or one that needs immediate attention, Joshua always shines in more ways than one!