Maureen Milligan again wowed me with her compassionate care. We had a patient who was especially downhearted as he was going to spend his birthday here with us in the hospital. He had a stroke and was here for rehabilitation. His independence had been lost and he was having difficulty responding to therapy as quickly as he would have liked. Maureen took the initiative to plan a birthday party for him and went all out! She decorated his room with streamers and signs. She bought him a cake, a present, and even party favors. This lifted the patient’s spirits and made his birthday special.

This is not the first time Maureen has done this. She takes time to get to know her patients. In the past, she has bought gifts for her patients to cheer them up. A stuffed bear for a frightened patient, car magazines for a gearhead to fend off boredom, and favorite foods for patients. I could go on and on, but you get the idea, Maureen loves her patients!

Maureen also acknowledges her co-workers. She is our unit's cheerleader. Cakes for birthdays, cards to recognize good deeds, and a lending hand or an ear to listen when needed. On our unit, Maureen is also making a difference as our night council representative. I am proud and honored to work with a nurse of her caliber!