I am a new nurse in the PACU and barely out of my “new grad nurse” phase. I started working in the PACU at MWH having just left a toxic work environment that all but destroyed my spirit as a new nurse. Margaret "Peggy" Culwell was one of my preceptors in the PACU. I wish she was my preceptor when I was a new grad. She helped me heal in more ways than she knows. She met me where I was, she showed me kindness, grace, patience and fueled my excitement to learn new medicine. I am a former ER nurse, so surgical medicine felt like a whole new language at first. Not only did she help me build my confidence, but she never once made me feel ignorant when I did not know something. She treated me with respect, and I am so grateful for that.

She is a wealth of knowledge, and her bright smile and spirit is not only contagious, but it also radiates throughout the entire department when she is here. It is such a privilege to know her and an even greater one to learn from her. She is the nurse I hope to be one day. It was a heavy workday for PACU and Peggy was the charge nurse. Peggy took a full assignment that day while maintaining the structure and flow of the entire unit. I was on call that night and was taking care of a pretty sick patient and it became clear that I was going to be here all day and into the late night. Peggy stayed with me till almost midnight to make sure I was okay and set up for success. Peggy goes above and beyond, not just for her patients, but for her coworkers too. My favorite days at work are on days she is here. Thanks, Peggy. You really are amazing!