Nurse Thompson frequently steps into the role of day shift charge nurse for the largest inpatient nursing unit in this facility. Nurse Thompson assembles the staff each morning to communicate appointments and nursing shift information for the team, guaranteeing resident care is equitably and safely distributed. She works with each caregiver and nurse to promote safe communication of stat orders and appointments and handles last-minute changes efficiently, coordinating tasks to ensure patient care is completed by shift end. One may say this is her job, or the job of any nurse, but as any nurse who's worked the day shift charge nurse role in the CLC can attest, there are many moving pieces, and a missed lab or appointment can have catastrophic consequences.

In demanding circumstances, Nurse Thompson handles patient issues with self-confidence and assurance and is a favorite nurse for several of our residents. Just this morning, a resident presented at the nursing station with distressed behavior, shouting, and irritability. Nurse Thompson provided supportive listening and addressed his concerns. The resident calmed and resumed his activity within the milieu without further incident.

These statements may seem like just a day's work, but please don't dismiss the level of work Nurse Thompson provides to keep the physicians updated, urgent patient orders completed, and patient care safely completed with a serene shift handoff daily to the evening shift staff.