Mary is an outstanding professional who is passionate about her nursing career. She has been a nurse for over 27 years and employed with the VA for the last 16 plus years. Mary is diligent about getting things done and is a 'go-getter'. Every day she arrives nearly an hour prior to her shift. She goes above and beyond for the veterans that she cares for. For example, whenever any other employee needs a contact number to assist a patient, Mary has it. If she cannot answer a question, she knows who to call or will find a way to get the needed answer to help the veteran.
'Little Mary', as she is known to our veterans, is small in stature but big in heart. She is the ultimate patient advocate. She goes the extra mile, by staying late, coming in early, and jumping in to lend a hand, and readily shares her knowledge with the team when needed. She is what helps to make the Venango CBOC run smoothly.
In the recent past, Mary had a female veteran patient who had fallen at home. The woman felt sure she fractured her ankle and was in a great deal of pain. This patient was a young mother, who was home alone with her children while her husband was finishing a deployment. The woman had an additional 2 other children she was caring for that day. The patient was unable to reach the parents of the other children after she had fallen. Her home was located deep in the woods and was isolated. The woman was clearly in distress and needed assistance. Mary offered many alternatives for her to get care. The difficult problem was that she was alone, and their family had just moved to the area. She only knew one other family in the local area whose children she was tending. She couldn't call an ambulance because there was no one there to watch the children. She couldn't drive to the ER because of the children and couldn't walk. The lady was on her couch at home and in tears.
Mary knew that she had to go to the patient to help her. It was nearing the end of her shift at the clinic and with the graces of her provider, she decided to go to the woman's house to help. Mary knew she was in distress and felt it was the right thing to do. So, off she went with an ordered air splint and ice bags to the veteran's home. When she arrived, the woman was tearful and extremely grateful for her assistance. Mary made sure that all the children were safe. She obtained pillows to elevate her ankle, filled the ice bags, and placed the air splint on her ankle. Just then the other family arrived to pick up the children. They would see to it that the veteran would get to the facility for treatment.
This is an example of Mary's dedication and compassion for her profession. She truly is a dedicated, enthusiastic nurse in a small package. Mary would give anyone the shirt off her back. Examples such as this prove her integrity and the content of her character.
I feel that Mary clearly represents the ICARE values every day that she reports to work. It is second nature to her. She is a gem, one that every clinic would be blessed to have. I am honored to be her colleague and friend. She has touched the lives of many and is a true DAISY Nurse.