Allison Hoftender
October 2013
Allison
Hoftender
,
RN
Surgical Inpatient
UnityPoint Health-Trinity
Rock Island
,
IL
United States

 

 

 

Allison's leadership is key to keeping the cohesiveness of the team intact. The entire surge-3 team is excellent, but Allison stands out as one of the shining stars.

From her Coworker-"Allison is one of the best charge nurses on the planet. She keeps her cool no matter what. She's positive, helpful and fair. She doesn't hesitate to take patients if needed. Also, Allison is an absolute whiz at preparing and rearranging the schedule to fit our busy lives. I am fortunate to be a part of such an awesome team".

A patient relayed to the manager that "Allison was very gracious and professional" and he thanked her "for everything she does on a daily basis to provide care for hurting people"

Another staff member shared Allison "Demonstrates leadership. The charge position is very important and I appreciate how she takes on this responsibility".

A CRT Nurse shared in a previous experience working on the unit: "Allison is an excellent charge nurse. She sets a positive, calming tome to the unit".

Another coworker expressed-"Allison has been such a mentor to me in the charge role. She is able manage the day-to-day activities in such an efficient and caring way. She is able to handle anything that happens and still keeps everything under control and as safe as satisfying as possible for the patients. She is awesome and a great role model".

...

Allison is one of those nurses that is so caring and compassionate that you can tell she hasn't forgotten the reason she entered healthcare. On a daily basis Allison is our lead CN-she leads our busy surgical floor and team, that often can fluctuate in volume from 5-25 in less than 5 hours, with professionalism and courtesy to patients and staff alike. Allison is extremely committed to patient safety and she leads by example. Performing huddles efficiently and effectively with the safety critical issues thoroughly reviewed. She is everything a manager and this organization would want to see exemplified in a CN-supportive, efficient, skilled, caring and compassionate. These skills were especially noted last week on one of our busiest surgical days in some time!

We began a "Hoffman Monday" with 16 patients on the unit and 14 fresh surgicals expected before the end of the shift, and several discharges to take place. Allison managed the staffing, which was already down an RN, and optimally coordinated multiple discharges (with many orders) with surgical admissions to ensure optimal bed placement and in a manner as to not overwhelm any one staff person. During this she also manages 2-3 direct admits and a transfer to and from the ICU. Allison handled this as she always does, with grace, professionalism and keeping our patients; outcomes top-mind at all times and maintaining a calm atmosphere for the patients on the floor.

Amid this hustle and bustle she took extra time with one patient who was having a difficult time-holding his hand while explaining his new orders and plan of care for the day after the doctor has rounded-she also took the time to guide families down to patients' rooms, answer call lights, take patients herself in the count and round with physicians. Allison ensured adequate staffing for the oncoming shift to ensure a smooth transition of patient care. Though Allison always provides the best care to every patient all the time, this day was a particularly challenging day and she performed with exemplary critical thinking, grace, skill, and patience. She ensured the best for the patients and her team.

She is a role model for any UnityPoint trinity Nurse. She is a critical player in our fantastic IP Surgical Team!