Heather Lemna
February 2023
Heather
Lemna
,
BScN, RN
ACCESS Clinic
Parkland Health & Hospital System
Dallas
,
TX
United States

 

 

 

Whether or not our patients have been lost to care, are homeless, or even angry, this nurse treats them with respect and puts in the time to ensure they receive the care they deserve.
Since this nurse joined our clinic things have not been the same. Her positive "can do" attitude has made this an even more enjoyable place to work. She shows collaboration when she goes out of her way to help her colleagues by rooming and discharging patients on other teams, helping the front desk staff schedule appointments, and helping me juggle many difficult patients. Whether or not our patients have been lost to care, are homeless, or even angry, this nurse treats them with respect and puts in the time to ensure they receive the care they deserve. Her enthusiasm was evident right away as she jumped in to serve on the unit-based council. She has used her creativity and ingenuity to increase morale and engagement among not only nursing staff but providers as well. She created a photo collage of all the clinic team members with their photos and an interesting fact. She wrote the skit to highlight the pathways to excellence, created our first annual pumpkin decorating contest and so much more. She has found herself to be a great leader and mentor to the nurses around her. She shows compassion to not only our patients but has encouraged me and several other providers in all our efforts. Our patients have complicated social issues which can leave you feeling defeated as a provider, but she gives you the motivation to push forward. I strive for her resilience, and I hope I can make as much of a positive impact as she has on all those around her. With or without the title, she will always embody what it means to be a DAISY Nurse here at Parkland and we are thankful to have her.