We hear of individuals who exemplify and being the epitome of Nursing, but as we stop to think about Wilma Harden, we can see Florence Nightingale and Mother Theresa's qualities displayed by Wilma every day. She came to us as gift from heaven; she has been committed to the profession and to this organization for more than 45 years. Wilma. She works in the triage role and loves coming to work every day. Wilma is a reliable and dedicated individual. She is always willing and flexible to assist with the department's staffing needs at a short notice- For every call out, you will hear "call Wilma". She has filled in for every nurse on numerous occasions. Wilma has mentored and trained many nurses in the ED. She goes above and beyond assisting with doing follow up phone calls and compiling monthly data for the department.
Only Wilma can communicate a sincere sense of empathy to the patients, especially during long wait times, when the emotions are running high. Her calming presence in triage, keeps the anxious at ease, reassures the frightened, and makes the irate become reasonable. Her quiet yet effective presence is the backbone of our ED. She does an excellent job at Triage, recognizing the patients with the highest priority. She takes the time and listens to every complaint with such attentiveness, connecting with every patient and their family. Her calming presence engenders a feeling of caring to the patients. It is a pleasure to listen in, as she interacts with them or when she is on the phone.
The Emergency Department has provided her many opportunities to meet patients in dire situations, and if she can help…she will. She has a special way of dealing with the marginalized patients. A special homeless patient, who we will call Charlie, is a frequent visitor to our ED. He knew all the staff by name, but Wilma was his favorite nurse. She always gives him a few bucks when he needs it. One day he came to her for a loan of $ 20 and she gave it to him without any expectation of payback. To her surprise, Charlie returned later and paid up his debt. This is just an example of the lives she has touched. In between triaging patients, she can be seen providing blankets, snacks, and following up with them as they wait anxiously for their results. As each patient departs the ED, Wilma stops and wishes them well.
Wilma is one of those rare individuals who is very kind-hearted and deeply cares about everything and everyone around her. She volunteers at a local food bank. She makes quilts for hospice patients as well as staff, family, and friends. She only needs to hear that someone is having a baby or not feeling well and she shows up with the most beautiful quilt. She always remembers special occasions such like holidays or birthdays with cards and gifts.
Thank you Wilma, for showing all of us that there are still people with true hearts left in this world, for sharing with us, your words of love, and caring attributes, they mean more to many of us than you may ever know. You were specially selected for this wonderful vocation. I'm sure that we have shared with you many times, the fact that we will forever appreciate your hard work, and the honor of knowing you.
We are proud to know that after all the many years of nursing that Wilma Harden continues to touch every patient's life in such a special way.