Tammie Cline has been employed by the medical center since June 1983.  Although the majority of her career at Northern Light has been on the OB/GYN unit, Tammie actually started her career as a medical surgical nurse and still maintains her certification in Medical Surgical Nursing. That does not stop her from also submitting anywhere from 90 to 124 CEUs annually in all aspects of nursing care including medical surgical and maternal, newborn, and gynecological care.  

Tammie is a preceptor and has guided generations of nurses through the nursing process. Any nursing instructor, myself included, loves to give Tammie students because they learn so much, and she takes such good care of them.  Tammie takes time to explain all aspects of nursing care and comfort and frequently receives praise from her students for her teaching and words of wisdom.  One student wrote, “Tammie has been such a wonderful teacher and mentor.  I really can’t say enough good things about the way she cares for her patients.  This may be redundant, but I truly would like to be like her.  She definitely goes above and beyond.”  When I was doing my orientation on this unit, Tammie precepted me for my last IV stick, of course she was in labor and never hesitated to teach me the right way to do it, right down to how to chart the successful insertion and label the IV.  

The care of her patients is Tammie’s number one priority. I don’t need a care aware phone or a Vocera to find Tammie, I know she is in her room, teaching, caring for, medicating or just supporting her patients in their day-to-day care.  She loves what she does, and it shows in the care she provides and her patient outcomes.  Tammie lives her commitment to the patient experience every day she is at work.  If you have ever received report from Tammie she knows that baby’s first middle and last name and parents names, she takes the time to learn preferences and really adjust care to the patient’s physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs. 

On a personal note, when my daughter told me she was going to have another baby, her first question was “Is Tammie still there? I hope she could be my nurse again!” My daughter's oldest is 12.  You don’t forget Tammie, when she cares for you, it feels like family; your mother, sister, aunt, or best friend.  

Tammie takes care of her coworkers as well as her patients.  There is never a shortage of chocolate on hand for those tough days on shift.  In addition, she always gives her coworkers a small token during the holidays, a pair of socks, an ornament, always something to let people know they are cared about and thought of.  Tammie is frequently on the list for perfect attendance despite living a distance away from the medical center. She always manages to make her way to work, despite the weather, and always keeps her unit leadership well informed if she is unable to be at work. She has persevered through many difficult personal health challenges and always stays on top of her care.  When she is in charge the rooms are stocked, unit leadership is well apprised of updates or concerns, and Tammie has her finger on the pulse for her providers as well.  One doctor recently told me he loves when Tammie has his GYN patients because he knows that they will get the very best care.  

I really can’t say enough about the respect I have for Tammie and her passion and professionalism.  She is an example to others, has helped to shape numerous future nurses, myself included, and continues to promote and advance the practice of nursing.  I am proud to have worked as a secretary, new grad nurse, staff nurse, charge nurse, and nurse leader with her.  She is the very best of us.