Celia Mills
March 2015
Celia
Mills
,
BSN, RN, CCRN
ICU
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York
,
NY
United States
The Intensive Care Unit staff would like to nominate our colleague, Celia Mills for the DAISY Award. With 31 years of experience as a nurse, Celia is invaluable in the wealth of knowledge she possesses and puts into practice day in and day out. Her experience extends beyond the bedside, as she is always eager to teach and share her knowledge. At the bedside, she is detail-oriented and thorough- she is a go-to person for junior and senior staff if ever one needs help with a difficult patient or a complicated problem. As a colleague, Celia is one of a kind. To quote two of her colleagues, "Working with her has been good for my heart and mind," and "There are not too many nurses that I would let care for my family or myself should I be a patient. Celia Mills would be one of my chosen caregivers. This coming from a "vintage" nurse speaks volumes. Few are the RNs who care deeply and never leave until all is properly done." Celia's contributions make the ICU a better place to live, work, and heal.
As one of the ICU's senior nurses, Celia has a variety of leadership roles and responsibilities in the unit. She serves as charge nurse, preceptor, educator, and is also involved in interviewing potential new hires. She serves as a role model and a resource to experienced and novice nurses alike. As charge nurse, Celia sets the standard with her efficiency, diplomacy, and patience. She is responsible for orienting new nurses to the charge nurse role, as she is capable of remaining poised in the most stressful of situations. Celia is called upon to precept at various levels, and ascertains that her orientees are able to perform their roles. Her orientees have gone on to become superb nurses and also carry the role of charge nurse. Several of her orientees endearingly call her "Mother" or "Mama Mills" as an ode to how much she has taught and guided them in their nursing practice and careers.
Celia's number one concern and priority is always the patient. The patient is always at the center of everything she does and she embodies the patient advocate. Celia never hesitates to vouch for her patient when she believes the patient is not receiving the best care he or she can receive. ICU Attending, Dr. R, recalls, "I remember the times that I've been called by Celia when she has a clinical concern that she felt hadn't been addressed to her satisfaction by the NPs, residents or fellows. These occasions are infrequent but have always been insightful. I appreciate that she has the self-confidence to raise these issues rather than let her patients receive anything but the best care. On a personal level, I remember the small changes in our relationship when I left fellowship. Knowing that a woman that I had come to respect and trust expected more of me when I became an attending encouraged me and helped me navigate a change that was at times quite challenging."
On a human level, Celia is a beautiful person inside and out. A fellow nurse vouches, "Kindness and compassion radiate from her and she makes a big impact in the lives of her patients and their families. I have personally witnessed Celia's tender care with dying patients, her compassionate communication with their families, and the utmost professionalism dealing with her colleagues."
...
In Celia's statement of purpose, she writes, "My name is Celia Mills, a nurse of 31 years, and I love nursing." However, Celia does not have to say or write anything to express her love for nursing because it is ever so evident in her practice and her entire being. Every Nurse's Day, Celia wears a white scrub dress and cap to represent her dedication to her profession and her love for the art and science that is nursing. She takes absolute pride in her profession and her calling. Celia always remains poised, calm, and professional, no matter what chaos is happening in the ICU. When Celia came to the United States from St. Vincent, it was to help abate the nursing shortage. Three years after leaving home and immigrating to a new country, Celia had already obtained her CCRN Certification and has maintained it continuously for over 20 years. As President of the York College Nursing Club, where she received her BSN, Celia strived to advance the field of nursing through monthly educational presentations for nursing students, creating the Nursing Mentorship Program, developing several community outreach programs, such as a toy drive for children of imprisoned women, and spearheading the creation of several community health initiatives in conjunction with local churches to facilitate disease prevention and health maintenance in the community. Her dedication to her profession is unparalleled.
...
It has been my pleasure to work with Celia Mills since I came to MSKCC as a fellow. In that time, I have grown to appreciate and rely on her steadfast reliability and excellent clinical acumen. Her responsibility towards her patients has stood as an example to me as I grew as a physician as I know it has for the junior nurses.
I remember the times that I've been called by Celia when she has a clinical concern that she felt hadn't been addressed to her satisfaction by the NPs, residents or fellows. These occasions are infrequent but have always been insightful. I appreciate that she has the self-confidence to raise these issues rather than let her patients receive anything but the best care.
On a personal level, I remember the small changes in our relationship when I left fellowship. Knowing that a woman that I had come to respect and trust expected more of me when I became an attending encouraged me and helped me navigate a change that was at times quite challenging.
...
Celia Mills is a great asset to her colleagues and patients in the ICU. I have had the pleasure of observing her kindness and professionalism towards her patients and their family members, as well as being a recipient of her expertise and knowledge.
Coming in as a new nurse to the ICU 2.5 years ago Celia always took the time to listen to my questions and explain things to me in a kind and knowledgeable way. She has also impressed me with the way she cares for her patients and in turn this has inspired me in my own nursing practice. She is detail-oriented and makes sure her patients and rooms are spotless. Her expert knowledge and experienced nursing practice shows - she is a go-to person if you ever need help with a difficult patient or have a complicated problem to navigate.
Above all, Celia is a beautiful person and nurse, inside and out. Kindness and compassion radiates from her and makes a big impact in the lives of her patients and their families. I have personally witnessed Celia's tender care with dying patients, her compassionate communication with their families, and the utmost professionalism dealing with her colleagues.
There are so many great nurses in the ICU and this institution, but to me, Celia stands out as one of the best. She is a great asset to MSK and deserves to be recognized for her skills and dedication through the DAISY Award.
...
In this day and age, there is often a dichotomy between old school nursing and new age nursing. Often times, older nurses have a reputation for not wanting to progress with the times and learn about the latest best practice. New nurses are often accused of not having the work ethic and desire for knowledge of the more experienced nurses. Celia Mills is the best of both worlds. With her decades of experience, she is invaluable in the wealth of nursing knowledge she possesses. But she doesn't stop there. She doesn't only rely on her experience. Celia has an everlasting thirst for knowledge and has the utmost respect for new research and trends in nursing as shown by her desire to go back to school and pursue an NP degree. She juggles working full time, going to school part-time, and being the matriarch of her family with the utmost grace, and her patients simply reap the benefits of her skills, expertise, and work ethic. As my preceptor, I had a wonderful role model to guide me through the steep learning curve of being a new ICU nurse. She was eternally patient with me and knew just when to keep me under her wings and when to let me free. Celia encouraged me to understand every single intervention that I carried out in order to provide the best care for my patients and thereby advocate for them. She knows that nursing is not "just following orders" and she takes absolute pride in her profession and her calling.
...
Celia Mills is one of the most therapeutic nurses I have had the pleasure of working with. Her caring extends beyond the patient to the families and her colleagues. Her calm manner is healing to those around her in even the most challenging situations. Working with her has been good for my heart and mind. I can recall 9 years ago when I first came to the ICU and my patient had coded and passed, she held my hand and told me "... you did everything and you did it well." Her encouraging words I still hear after a long, hard day. I know that I will always hear them.
...
It is an honor to submit this letter in support of the nomination for the DAISY Award to Celia Mills, RN. I cannot imagine a more worthy candidate. I have worked with Celia for eleven years in the Intensive Care Unit. Over the years, I have witnessed Celia's leadership and care tremendously impact her patients and colleagues alike. Celia is expert in her practice and so compassionate with her patients and their families. As charge nurse, Celia sets the standard with her efficiency, diplomacy and patience. At the bedside, she is experienced and knowledgeable; she is always willing to teach and share her knowledge. She is a lifetime learner. She completed her BSN, while working full-time and is currently working toward her Nurse Practitioner graduate degree. She is also an active member of the CPR/ACLS committee. Celia is well-respected by the doctors, nurses and other ancillary staff in the ICU, because of her attention to detail, her high standards of professionalism and her cheerful, kind disposition. Celia's contributions make the ICU a better place to live, work and heal. I am proud to work alongside her.
...
Celia Mills is an excellent nurse. On top of it, she is a very caring individual. Nine years ago, nurse Mills was my preceptor in the ICU. I am so blessed that she was. She taught me everything I know. Her skills as a nurse are superb and she takes great care of her patients. At work I call her "Mother" not just because she taught me everything I know, but also because I can go to her for advice in life. I can go to her and talk about anything without being judged. I love her so much!! It is a privilege to work with her.
As one of the ICU's senior nurses, Celia has a variety of leadership roles and responsibilities in the unit. She serves as charge nurse, preceptor, educator, and is also involved in interviewing potential new hires. She serves as a role model and a resource to experienced and novice nurses alike. As charge nurse, Celia sets the standard with her efficiency, diplomacy, and patience. She is responsible for orienting new nurses to the charge nurse role, as she is capable of remaining poised in the most stressful of situations. Celia is called upon to precept at various levels, and ascertains that her orientees are able to perform their roles. Her orientees have gone on to become superb nurses and also carry the role of charge nurse. Several of her orientees endearingly call her "Mother" or "Mama Mills" as an ode to how much she has taught and guided them in their nursing practice and careers.
Celia's number one concern and priority is always the patient. The patient is always at the center of everything she does and she embodies the patient advocate. Celia never hesitates to vouch for her patient when she believes the patient is not receiving the best care he or she can receive. ICU Attending, Dr. R, recalls, "I remember the times that I've been called by Celia when she has a clinical concern that she felt hadn't been addressed to her satisfaction by the NPs, residents or fellows. These occasions are infrequent but have always been insightful. I appreciate that she has the self-confidence to raise these issues rather than let her patients receive anything but the best care. On a personal level, I remember the small changes in our relationship when I left fellowship. Knowing that a woman that I had come to respect and trust expected more of me when I became an attending encouraged me and helped me navigate a change that was at times quite challenging."
On a human level, Celia is a beautiful person inside and out. A fellow nurse vouches, "Kindness and compassion radiate from her and she makes a big impact in the lives of her patients and their families. I have personally witnessed Celia's tender care with dying patients, her compassionate communication with their families, and the utmost professionalism dealing with her colleagues."
...
In Celia's statement of purpose, she writes, "My name is Celia Mills, a nurse of 31 years, and I love nursing." However, Celia does not have to say or write anything to express her love for nursing because it is ever so evident in her practice and her entire being. Every Nurse's Day, Celia wears a white scrub dress and cap to represent her dedication to her profession and her love for the art and science that is nursing. She takes absolute pride in her profession and her calling. Celia always remains poised, calm, and professional, no matter what chaos is happening in the ICU. When Celia came to the United States from St. Vincent, it was to help abate the nursing shortage. Three years after leaving home and immigrating to a new country, Celia had already obtained her CCRN Certification and has maintained it continuously for over 20 years. As President of the York College Nursing Club, where she received her BSN, Celia strived to advance the field of nursing through monthly educational presentations for nursing students, creating the Nursing Mentorship Program, developing several community outreach programs, such as a toy drive for children of imprisoned women, and spearheading the creation of several community health initiatives in conjunction with local churches to facilitate disease prevention and health maintenance in the community. Her dedication to her profession is unparalleled.
...
It has been my pleasure to work with Celia Mills since I came to MSKCC as a fellow. In that time, I have grown to appreciate and rely on her steadfast reliability and excellent clinical acumen. Her responsibility towards her patients has stood as an example to me as I grew as a physician as I know it has for the junior nurses.
I remember the times that I've been called by Celia when she has a clinical concern that she felt hadn't been addressed to her satisfaction by the NPs, residents or fellows. These occasions are infrequent but have always been insightful. I appreciate that she has the self-confidence to raise these issues rather than let her patients receive anything but the best care.
On a personal level, I remember the small changes in our relationship when I left fellowship. Knowing that a woman that I had come to respect and trust expected more of me when I became an attending encouraged me and helped me navigate a change that was at times quite challenging.
...
Celia Mills is a great asset to her colleagues and patients in the ICU. I have had the pleasure of observing her kindness and professionalism towards her patients and their family members, as well as being a recipient of her expertise and knowledge.
Coming in as a new nurse to the ICU 2.5 years ago Celia always took the time to listen to my questions and explain things to me in a kind and knowledgeable way. She has also impressed me with the way she cares for her patients and in turn this has inspired me in my own nursing practice. She is detail-oriented and makes sure her patients and rooms are spotless. Her expert knowledge and experienced nursing practice shows - she is a go-to person if you ever need help with a difficult patient or have a complicated problem to navigate.
Above all, Celia is a beautiful person and nurse, inside and out. Kindness and compassion radiates from her and makes a big impact in the lives of her patients and their families. I have personally witnessed Celia's tender care with dying patients, her compassionate communication with their families, and the utmost professionalism dealing with her colleagues.
There are so many great nurses in the ICU and this institution, but to me, Celia stands out as one of the best. She is a great asset to MSK and deserves to be recognized for her skills and dedication through the DAISY Award.
...
In this day and age, there is often a dichotomy between old school nursing and new age nursing. Often times, older nurses have a reputation for not wanting to progress with the times and learn about the latest best practice. New nurses are often accused of not having the work ethic and desire for knowledge of the more experienced nurses. Celia Mills is the best of both worlds. With her decades of experience, she is invaluable in the wealth of nursing knowledge she possesses. But she doesn't stop there. She doesn't only rely on her experience. Celia has an everlasting thirst for knowledge and has the utmost respect for new research and trends in nursing as shown by her desire to go back to school and pursue an NP degree. She juggles working full time, going to school part-time, and being the matriarch of her family with the utmost grace, and her patients simply reap the benefits of her skills, expertise, and work ethic. As my preceptor, I had a wonderful role model to guide me through the steep learning curve of being a new ICU nurse. She was eternally patient with me and knew just when to keep me under her wings and when to let me free. Celia encouraged me to understand every single intervention that I carried out in order to provide the best care for my patients and thereby advocate for them. She knows that nursing is not "just following orders" and she takes absolute pride in her profession and her calling.
...
Celia Mills is one of the most therapeutic nurses I have had the pleasure of working with. Her caring extends beyond the patient to the families and her colleagues. Her calm manner is healing to those around her in even the most challenging situations. Working with her has been good for my heart and mind. I can recall 9 years ago when I first came to the ICU and my patient had coded and passed, she held my hand and told me "... you did everything and you did it well." Her encouraging words I still hear after a long, hard day. I know that I will always hear them.
...
It is an honor to submit this letter in support of the nomination for the DAISY Award to Celia Mills, RN. I cannot imagine a more worthy candidate. I have worked with Celia for eleven years in the Intensive Care Unit. Over the years, I have witnessed Celia's leadership and care tremendously impact her patients and colleagues alike. Celia is expert in her practice and so compassionate with her patients and their families. As charge nurse, Celia sets the standard with her efficiency, diplomacy and patience. At the bedside, she is experienced and knowledgeable; she is always willing to teach and share her knowledge. She is a lifetime learner. She completed her BSN, while working full-time and is currently working toward her Nurse Practitioner graduate degree. She is also an active member of the CPR/ACLS committee. Celia is well-respected by the doctors, nurses and other ancillary staff in the ICU, because of her attention to detail, her high standards of professionalism and her cheerful, kind disposition. Celia's contributions make the ICU a better place to live, work and heal. I am proud to work alongside her.
...
Celia Mills is an excellent nurse. On top of it, she is a very caring individual. Nine years ago, nurse Mills was my preceptor in the ICU. I am so blessed that she was. She taught me everything I know. Her skills as a nurse are superb and she takes great care of her patients. At work I call her "Mother" not just because she taught me everything I know, but also because I can go to her for advice in life. I can go to her and talk about anything without being judged. I love her so much!! It is a privilege to work with her.