February 2023
Maggie
Smith
,
BSN, RN
Medical
Seattle Children's Hospital
Seattle
,
WA
United States

 

 

 

Her calm demeanor and warm presence really helped to create a safe space for this patient.
There are so many wonderful nurses on the Medical Unit! Maggie is one of those nurses that stands out and fully encompasses what it means to provide patient and family-centered care. She has such a gift for building relationships with families. She really takes the time to listen to them, involves them in the plan of care for her shift, and makes sure all of their needs and concerns are addressed.

On multiple occasions, she has been hand-picked by charge nurses for a very anxious patient or caregiver. She has such a calm demeanor, a positive attitude, and an infectious smile. On multiple occasions, I have seen her walk into a room and ask a scared parent how they are doing. She puts the needs of the families she cares for first. Whether a caregiver needs a listening ear, a strong advocate, or a hot cup of tea, Maggie is there for them!

Months ago she was assigned as a nurse 1:1 sitter to a very high-risk suicidal teenager. Maggie was incredible with this patient. Her calm demeanor and warm presence really helped to create a safe space for this patient. She was able to distract them from engaging in self-harm behaviors by talking about music with them and by making a strong effort to engage with them and ask how they were feeling. Maggie is such a great nurse and deserves to be recognized for her compassion, dedication, and for constantly going above and beyond to make her patients and families feel as safe and comfortable as possible!