For those of us who were blessed enough to start our nursing career on a unit with experienced nurses, we can relate to the unique type of compassion you learn from an "old school nurse." The nurses who had much higher patient ratios than us newer nurses started out with paper charting, etc. - but most importantly demonstrate the heart and soul of what it means to be a nurse. Judy worked at the bedside for several years, pursued higher level of education, transitioned to a different role outpatient but still picks up shifts in the summer/weekends throughout the year, and is always such a treat to work with when she comes back to our unit.
She is positive, outgoing, knowledgeable, such a team player, and never leaves her shift until she has done everything possible to provide the absolute best care for her patients. She goes the extra mile every single time whether that be calling a patient's family member for an update, changing a patient's linens when they need to be changed or washing them up without thinking of asking a tech first, to persistently following up on orders and coordinating care with the doctors. Patients absolutely adore her and miss her when she is gone, you will always hear their praises about her if you take care of a patient after she does. Judy is such a bright light on our unit. Her passion for bedside nursing and love for our team is so inspiring. I have learned many nursing skills and life lessons from this nurse. She is truly a mother figure on our unit who can do it all.
When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit in spring 2020, I would imagine most nurses would consider themselves lucky in some shape or form if they didn't have to be in the trenches at the bedside caring for COVID-19 patients. Instead, this nurse immediately volunteered for more shifts when her other job started slowing down. She had no problem taking care of COVID-19 patients and jumped back into help like it was her call of duty. Our unit was undergoing many transitions at the time and was short-staffed with nurses. Schedulers on our unit knew they could lean on Judy to help cover holes in our schedule because she was more than willing. She volunteered to precept younger nurses when some of our preceptors were out of work for extended periods of time, worked 3 shifts in a row as overtime (which she stated she hadn't done in 5+ years) when other nurses were out sick, and is the best at being willing to help with bed baths, vital signs, blood sugars, etc. when we were short on techs. This nurse is truly a role model for nurses and colleagues of all ages. I think we all aspire to be a little like her in our daily practice and as we grow in our nursing profession. She is a true DAISY Nurse.