Peggy Eisele has been taking care of pediatric patients at UMC - Banner Diamond Children's for 15 years. Peggy was the Sr. Manager for D5 for many of those years. During her time on D5 I witnessed the compassion that Peggy had for the families on her unit. Many times, coming early and staying late to make sure that families had what they needed. I have seen her at the bedside of sick children listening to mothers who are frantic with worry. I watched her calm demeanor as she would alleviate those fears by being relaxed and reassuring. I have also seen her stand toe to toe with someone who was not thinking of the best interest of the patient. Her nursing knowledge combined with her compassion are a powerful force when it comes to helping these families.
Peggy has moved into a Director role now and has brought all of her knowledge and compassion with her to mentor Sr. managers. She is supportive of all the Pediatric staff and works hard every day to assure that they have what they need to do the very best job they can for their patients.
Recently, I witnessed firsthand her compassion. We lost an employee very suddenly who did not wake up in the morning. Peggy, along with the Sr. Manager, came in and went to that department to deliver this very sad news to the employees. She did not want her employees to find out this kind of news through an email or an announcement. She wanted to be sure that she personally delivered this news to make sure each of them felt her support during a terribly difficult time. That is just the kind of leader she is.
Another person she has touched is one of our long-term patients who has suffered from a chronic illness most of her life and volunteers with Beads of Courage. She was here one day, and I was helping her to find some storage for the beads, and Peggy joined our conversation. She squealed and said, "Oh you mean Mom!" This patient went on to tell me what Peggy means to her. She said "Peggy was always there when I needed her. Sometimes just to put my head in her lap and tell me I would be ok." Obviously, Peggy has made her mark on this amazing young woman.
Peggy balances a very hectic work life schedule like a pro as she has five children, a husband, and three dogs. She juggled all of this while working to receive her master's degree, which she recently did! Despite her busy schedule, I never feel as though she does not have time to listen when I have issues that I need to discuss with her. She puts down what she is doing to listen and respond right on the spot. One of her favorite sayings is "Geez Oh Peet" and it never fails to make me giggle even on the rough days.
Working with Peggy has been one of the greatest honors and watching her compassion and giving spirit is a joy. Don't get me wrong it is not all tulips and roses, it is hard work and sometimes tears, but she is up to the challenge especially when it comes to her staff and patients.