August 2023
Liz
Knief
,
RN
Emergency
MercyOne Northeast Iowa
Waterloo
,
IA
United States
Even though we were often short staffed, the patients would never have known it. She always ensures that all of the patients, hers and those assigned to other nurses, were well cared for.
Liz serves as both a nurse and Charge Nurse in the Emergency Room. Our ED physicians count on her outstanding skills and rapport with both patients and medical professionals we consult with. She worked multiple overtime hours at the height of the COVID pandemic. Even though we were often short staffed, the patients would never have known it. She always ensures that all of the patients, hers and those assigned to other nurses, were well cared for. She is known for taking the time to answer any questions patients or their family members had. If other nurses become overwhelmed, Liz has always been willing to assist in any way needed without being asked, and without making anyone feel like they were asking for a "favor." She is the definition of a team player, willing to help in any capacity; from helping clean rooms, transporting patients to the floor, monitoring patients being watched on video, and answering phones. She is frequently called on to train new staff and does so with patience and respect. She often brings in snacks and homemade goodies to make sure that our overnight staff (who don't have access to the cafeteria or local restaurants) don't go without food during the busy overnight hours. Her team knows it will be a good night when they see her name on the schedule. We are so lucky to have her!