Caring for the psychiatric patient is not an easy task and requires a very patient and kind soul. I was in my office early one morning when I heard a Code White called overhead and did not see the usual hustle and bustle of security passing my office door. I went over to assist the staff on the inpatient behavioral health unit and was witness to watching the most amazing interaction between a staff member and a patient. Wini Gill stepped in to assist with a patient that was having difficulty controlling their behavior and was threatening the safety of one of the nursing staff. Wini very calmly asked staff to check on patients, assess the patient's medication record for available as needed medications, and clear a path to the quiet room. She spoke in an extremely professional manner during the entire encounter while providing direction to all the members of the team to work together to maintain the safety of both patients and staff. The patient was extremely belligerent, threatening, and even spat on her. Wini remained composed and simply thanked the patient for agreeing to go to the quiet room. This is not the only time I have seen her calming presence positively impact the milieu of inpatient behavioral health.
Additionally, Wini is extremely involved in many committees. She works all night and then willingly attends Shared Governance meetings in the morning and actively participates. Wini promptly responds to emails and always provides valuable feedback. She is well respected amongst her staff. I have often heard the team members of Inpatient state "Thank God for Wini." NMC is extremely fortunate to have her as one of our compassionate and caring nurses.