Patricia
Newell-Halfant
May 2024
Patricia
Newell-Halfant
,
RN
SPHP Samaritan Hospital
Albany
,
NY
United States

 

 

 

Pat has successfully implemented numerous products and initiatives that are potentially life-saving for patients.
In all the years I have known Pat, I have never seen her come to work without a positive attitude. Anyone who knows Pat can tell you she is always saying, "Our number one priority is our patients." She lives this every day with the support she provides to our division. Pat puts in many hours each week to ensure all the employees feel supported. She will work any shift, days, evenings, weekends, or whatever it takes to meet the needs of the staff when it comes to education. Pat not only provides the staff with basics for simulations, but goes the extra mile to create new drills and simulations to ensure the staff feels knowledgeable in many emergent situations.

She meets with the new employees weekly to check in and make sure they are getting what they need out of their orientation. She gives each of them her personal cell phone number so they can contact her if they are struggling. She does everything she can to ensure they are successful. Not only does she support the staff, but she also supports the entire leadership team. No matter what happens, she says, "Ok, let's look into this," gets to the root of the problem, and immediately starts working on how to fix the issue.

Pat is such a personable person, which has given her many connections she has made with others and has given us the opportunity to make sure we are not doing things the way we have always done it but the best way. Pat also sits on many committees and councils. She is a big part of our policy committee. She works hard to ensure we practice with the most up-to-date, evidence-based information and that the policies are clear to everyone, including new nurses. If there is a new procedure, Pat will bring it back for our input.

Pat has successfully implemented numerous products and initiatives that are potentially life-saving for patients. Pat never sits still; she is always on the move and checking in with everyone to see if they need anything. Pat also believes in growing the staff. She is always talking with them and involving them in the education that is given to our division. The way she engages the staff has been amazing to watch. They are so enthusiastic and proud to participate in providing simulations and drills. She has encouraged many nurses to get certifications in their specialty and become certified instructors. The number of students she has mentored over the years for their master's degree is impressive. No matter what is happening, Pat never makes anyone feel like she is too busy to listen or help.