April 2021
Elizabeth
Ward
,
RN
Primary Care
Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks
Elizabeth Ward creates an environment that fosters care and compassion.
Elizabeth Ward creates an environment that fosters care and compassion. Elizabeth volunteers to be a preceptor. She carefully plans the six weeks she has with the new nurses. The new nurses are not only prepared to assume the role of a PACT nurse, they are excited about their new role as she encourages them. She gives them mutual respect so they can learn in a safe environment. When I ask her preceptees about their experience, they always tell me how good and welcoming she is to them.
When I asked her about her role, Elizabeth explained it to me in a way that describes the process to a tee. She gives them "pieces of the cake" by assigning them a different task or part of their job each day so they are not overwhelmed. When their orientation is complete, they have all the ingredients to " Bake the Cake" which refers to the PACT nurse and team.
Elizabeth assists them with acclamation into their new role by introducing them to the physicians and being available after the orientation for questions or needs. She remains calm and supportive even though her team is very busy, and she manages to complete her duties for her team.
Elizabeth is always willing to help other teams and does so with a good attitude. The charge nurse told me that a day that nine nurses and managers were out, she came to Elizabeth to assist her with coverage. Elizabeth said she would cover the Basement and never complained. She will help her pod and other nurses as well. She is always willing to assist the new Nurse Manager by answering questions.
Elizabeth is compassionate and knowledgeable when taking care of veterans. She takes the time to educate her patients by using different modalities that will ensure they understand and can apply them at home. I witnessed her taking the time to explain to a veteran how to take care of his injured arm, including applying the sling and how to manage his care at home. She answered all his questions and had him demonstrate how to complete tasks at home. This is just one example of her knowledge and compassion towards her patients. She stays late and comes in on her own time to ensure she is prepared, and her patients' needs are met. I have watched her professionally interact with patients and staff and believe she is truly deserving to be a DAISY Award Recipient.
When I asked her about her role, Elizabeth explained it to me in a way that describes the process to a tee. She gives them "pieces of the cake" by assigning them a different task or part of their job each day so they are not overwhelmed. When their orientation is complete, they have all the ingredients to " Bake the Cake" which refers to the PACT nurse and team.
Elizabeth assists them with acclamation into their new role by introducing them to the physicians and being available after the orientation for questions or needs. She remains calm and supportive even though her team is very busy, and she manages to complete her duties for her team.
Elizabeth is always willing to help other teams and does so with a good attitude. The charge nurse told me that a day that nine nurses and managers were out, she came to Elizabeth to assist her with coverage. Elizabeth said she would cover the Basement and never complained. She will help her pod and other nurses as well. She is always willing to assist the new Nurse Manager by answering questions.
Elizabeth is compassionate and knowledgeable when taking care of veterans. She takes the time to educate her patients by using different modalities that will ensure they understand and can apply them at home. I witnessed her taking the time to explain to a veteran how to take care of his injured arm, including applying the sling and how to manage his care at home. She answered all his questions and had him demonstrate how to complete tasks at home. This is just one example of her knowledge and compassion towards her patients. She stays late and comes in on her own time to ensure she is prepared, and her patients' needs are met. I have watched her professionally interact with patients and staff and believe she is truly deserving to be a DAISY Award Recipient.