Elly Fangman joined our ED team as a new graduate nurse in August of 2021. In that short time, she has become a shining star! She completed a preceptorship in our department and was heavily recruited by all staff on all shifts. They enjoyed her strong work ethic and bubbly personality. She progressed quickly through orientation and transitioned to work the night shift. While working nights, she became a valued member of the team despite being new to the profession and just getting acclimated to her role and shift. The night charge nurses frequently commented on how she demonstrated tremendous teamwork and situational monitoring. For example, one of the charge nurses stated on her first shifts after completing orientation, “Elly is doing so well off orientation and we are so pleased to have her. She is a go-getter, takes initiative, and is very independent in her work.” She has always been ready and willing to help others. Just about a week later another wrote, “Once again Elly was a super trooper on this busy shift. Not only was she caring for her own patients but came around to me asking if she could help me with my patients. She is so hard working and super sweet.”

In addition to being a fantastic team member, Elly Is wonderful with patients. Patients have frequently commented on how she has brightened their day during a difficult times. She is calm in the face of adversity. I have seen her manage difficult situations with grace. One of her patients was upset about the provider’s decision. While discussing the decision with the patient and family, tensions were high with some escalating behaviors that others may have matched in their communication. Elly remained calm and professional in her communication. She was able to help diffuse the situation by listening but remaining compassionately firm. Eventually, all parties came to a common understanding. As a new nurse, I was so impressed with her composure and emotional intelligence.

Although Elly is relatively new in her career, she is seen as a role model to all staff in the ED. She is detail-oriented and diligently follows protocols to keep patients safe. She is welcoming to new staff as well as students who come to shadow in the ED. When a student arrived in the ED recently, she seemed a bit timid. Elly eased the student with her friendly demeanor. She has become an excellent clinician and is constantly seeking out opportunities to learn. She is often found discussing interesting cases with physicians. Because of her ability to see the positive in every circumstance, staff appreciates her ability to turn the mood of the department around. When we celebrated staff contributions to the ED, Elly was nominated and won the Best Positive Influencer award. She also received the Black Cloud award for the nurse who has the craziest shifts. To receive that award and be recognized as a positive influence is most definitely an accomplishment.

Elly truly lives our mission and demonstrates our values every encounter, every day. She is certainly deserving of this recognition