Makenzie Thimm
March 2013
Makenzie
Thimm
,
RN
Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit
St. John Hospital and Medical Center
Detroit
,
MI
United States

 

 

 

As the clinical pharmacist in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at St. John Hospital and Medical Center, I have known Makenzie for approximately 2 years. Makenzie is an outstanding nurse who consistently maintains patient interests as her top priority. When a patient in the unit becomes unstable, Makenzie is always willing to lend a helping hand. She is a valuable member of our multidisciplinary team, and I have heard our residents take note of her ability to make things happen in a timely manner when patients need care most. Makenzie is an advocate for her patients, understanding how and when to respectfully challenge a questionable plan. She is curious when unfamiliar situations arise and does not hesitate to ask about new or unfamiliar concepts. Makenzie's positive attitude is both refreshing and contagious. Although she does not hold a formal leadership position in the unit, she is a true leader on our critical care team. She anticipates the needs of her patients and their families. When acute events arise, Makenzie maintains a calm confident demeanor while providing exceptional patient care. When a situation arises that could benefit from a process change or further education, Makenzie takes the initiative to facilitate improvement. After recognizing a knowledge deficiency surrounding therapeutic hypothermia following cardiac arrest, Makenzie has been working to update educational resources for the unit and facilitate a formal in-service. Makenzie has been instrumental in ensuring continuity of care for cardiac surgery patients being transferred from the OR to ICU through her collaboration with pharmacy, anesthesia, critical care, cardiology, and cardiac surgery on a continuous infusion reference guide for the unit. In summary, Makenzie is one of the most hardworking, motivated, and exceptional nurses I have had the pleasure working with.