Gail Chaffee is an exemplary nurse who much deserves this honor. Gail has much care and compassion not only for her patients but for her coworkers as well. I recall a time when we thought we were post-Covid. A patient was admitted for nearly two months. When he was being discharged on a Saturday near the time the pharmacy was closing (they are not open on Sunday), Gail realized he didn’t have the funds to pay for his nearly $100 copay; insurance did not cover all his medications, including his nicotine patches. Gail jumped into action, called the pharmacy, and gave her credit card number over the phone without hesitation. As I looked at her in shock, she looked at me with such compassion, and Gail said, “he needs to continue not to smoke, or he’ll end up back here.” Gail continued to educate the patient as he was wheeled to the car on the importance of remaining smoke-free.

Gail leads her peers by example through her nursing skill set and doesn’t hesitate to help or educate anyone. She is an expert in hospice care and guides staff to ensure patient’s transitions are comfortable. Hospice care is her passion. She often leads education classes to new hires and students, and will speak on the roles and importance of hospice nurses. She has compassion for all patients, whether assigned to her or not. She strives to see every nurse on our unit be successful with positive outcomes for all. 

Gail comes in on days off for duties of various committees that she is a part of. She leads our Unit Practice Council and has spearheaded the community clothing drive, where she champions for gently used clothing to be given to patients in need. She cleans and organizes the items with minimal help. She does SO much for everyone and always does it with a smile. I am honored to work with such an amazing person.