...(every patient who is admitted to our unit which is a locked inpatient psychiatric unit) Phil usually is the day charge nurse - and he makes sure the unit runs smoothly by pitching in and helping all patients and staff. When the 2 teams are in "team meetings" Phil is taking care of the patients needs as the other 2 nurses are with their respected teams. Phil does all admissions/discharges on his shift. He makes sure new patients who are admitted to our unit are comfortable, understand what is going on and tries to get whatever they need by collaborating with the Doctors and social workers. Phil tells patients "straight up" what is going on, expected and can happen - he does not sugarcoat it. With the population we deal with this is very important as the results can be disastrous with patients ending up in restraints and staff can end up being hurt. He tries to avoid this - and mostly succeeds.

Phil is the person who lobbies for items for patients on the unit, like items for the sensory room, wii for patients to relax - especially our younger population. If I were a patient on a locked psych unit or if my family/friends were I would want Phil as the first person I encounter on the unit. He makes it just a little bit easier to be here.