Katie Purdom, RN Emergency Department, Harborview Medical Center Seattle, Washington

 

Katie was nominated by coworkers:

 

Katie embodies the heart and spirit of what an Emergency Nurse should be. She is always kind, compassionate, and caring for patients, families, and other staff members. She goes out of her way to make sure people are looked after, and their physical and emotional needs met. She is the face with the reassuring smile that greets people at the door, and she is the hand holder when things get tough. She is a cheerleader.

For staff, Katie is very nurturing. She is one of my favorites to have mentor or precept other new nurses. She is very inclusive of others, keeps abreast of personal events in people's lives, and supports others. She is the unofficial social director, and schedules potlucks, outside get-togethers and crab boils.

And Katie is a great clinician. She takes superb care of her patients, watches for subtle changes in the critically ill, and follows through to ensure patient comfort and safety. She is a strong patient advocate, and doesn't settle for anything but the best!

I am often in charge when working in the ED and I am always happy to see Katie's name on the board as a coworker. She always has a positive attitude, is passionate about patient care and supportive to families and fellow staff. She is our Christmas champion coming in on her own time to decorate our entire department beautifully and artfully and adds to our collection every year. This year she wants giant wreaths on the other side of the waiting room pillars so our waiting room patients will see and enjoy the spirit more. She has had two department gatherings at her home over the summer contributing to the community spirit and camaraderie that all of we ER nurses cherish and love about our department. She is a leader when she needs to be and smart enough to know when she should follow. She is a great nurse who cares for our sickest patients with intelligence compassion and top notch skills.