I have appreciated the cumulative impact for over 30 years by one of NorthBay’s outstanding nurses. When I started working at NorthBay in early 1988, VacaValley hospital was 6 months young. One of the first nurses I worked with and who welcomed me to the area was Patricia Carter. Her smile, compassion, patient-centered care, respect, and true nursing spirit continue to shine over 30 years later.

Pat has worked in several departments but has always been a Case Manager and embraced her delivery of patient care comprehensively. During this tenure, I have continued to intersect with Pat as part of the patient care team. She has the same core attributes in the delivery of extraordinary patient care as she did over 30 years ago. She takes time with her patients and in the most challenging situations, gives attention to detail and communication. I can also appreciate her extraordinary patient care as in 1996, Pat was my own Home Health nurse. She brings to the work environment and patient care a positive emotion and compassion that no matter what, we are all in this together and no one is alone. She does this all with a humble and graceful spirit.

The most recent example of Pat’s representation of the NorthBay values and caring in all situations is her tireless coordinated efforts while working on making hundreds of masks during early COVID days. Pat shared her commitment that any MD or staff who needed a mask would get one through the team efforts. Pat ensured that one of the community members who had a part in the fabric contribution was also honored with one of her masks. The DAISY Award is not one instance; it is the full scope reflection of consistency over time to excellent delivery of compassion, care, connection, and competence by a Nurse.