I nominate Tori Sullivan for her exceptional bedside manner, compassionate care, and unwavering professionalism toward all colleagues, patients, and their families. I have witnessed her approach to each patient and family with unique and tender care, even when told that the patient's family was difficult. She understood their needs and treated them with understanding and compassion so their voices would be heard and their needs met.  

At the time of this nomination, Tori is demonstrating the same kind of attitude with the family of her dying patient. She manages to be there for them whenever they need her while ensuring her other patients receive the total care they need. Her ability to balance these responsibilities is a testament to her efficiency and dedication. Tori does this each time with compassion and care, always responsive to her patients' needs without hesitation.               

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My manager’s door is almost always open, and I can hear just about everything that goes on outside it, although I don't always listen. (Staff, take note!) There have been, notably, two occasions where I have intentionally eavesdropped on Tori's conversations with her patients. In one instance, she noted the navy hat that the patient was wearing, symbolic of the ship that the patient served on, likely many, many years before. She graciously brought it up, shared that her own husband had served, asked the perfect number of questions, and then thanked him for his service. On another occasion, in the same room, Tori had a lovely conversation about professional tennis with a patient and his family. I couldn't believe she knew all about that, too!

Tele is so busy, and Tori is undoubtedly wrapped up in chaos. She amazes me how she can keep track of so many details of patient care and then provide such a personable approach to our patients. In two or three instances, at least, Tori has been called out on our Press Ganey surveys by patients for her excellent care, explanations, competency, and comfortable approach. In fact, I almost laughed the day a patient's spouse told Tori she gave his wife "too much information" about the medications she was taking, just days after I had received applause from a patient for her outstanding explanation of his medications and plan of care. As we all know, you can't please everyone always, but I believe Tori gets it right about 99.9% of the time. Tori is a natural at the bedside. I know physicians, charge nurses, patient care technicians, and the entire ancillary team enjoy and look forward to working with Tori.  I know I can look forward to having her assigned outside my door again soon.