June 2024
Todd
Heffner
,
RN
Hospice of Dayton IPU
Ohio's Hospice
Dayton
,
OH
United States
He is a wonderful role model but is also humble and never afraid to ask questions. He is always looking for ways to learn and grow.
Todd is an incredible asset to our team and a huge blessing to our patients and families. There is not just one situation that explains why Todd is deserving of this award. It is his consistency, time after time, in the care that he gives. He is clearly a very knowledgeable and skilled nurse. He is a wonderful role model but is also humble and never afraid to ask questions. He is always looking for ways to learn and grow. As a shift leader, he often has to deal with difficult situations and issues with patients, visitors, and, occasionally, teammates. He is able to remain calm while he listens patiently and answers their questions or addresses their concerns. Regardless of the situation he is put in, he never fails to show compassion and respect to those around him. This extends to his interactions with teammates as well. On one recent shift, he got fourteen admission calls, carried an assignment instead of handing them off to someone else, handled an unexpected revocation, and managed a situation with an angry family member on top of all his other responsibilities. Even with all of this going on, he still took the time to send an email praising another nurse that day. I have had several teammates express their appreciation of him and the way he handles his position. He recently received the following Ekudo, “I just wanted to thank you for handling some hard situations lately in the IPU. You never get flustered or overwhelmed when dealing with complicated families or patients. We appreciate your dedication to the team and how you have stepped up to be a leader. Thank you for all that you do.” I believe his response showed his character and his heart, “My pleasure! I never feel alone in those situations; always strengthened by the professionalism of our team.” Todd is an excellent example of what and who makes Ohio’s Hospice such a unique and special place. He deserves to be recognized not only for the big moments but for all that he does every single day.