Colleen Spitzer is a DAISY nurse. Colleen Spitzer has been a member of the peri-operative team on the Denville Campus for several years. She is the kind of nurse we encourage all nurses here at Saint Clare’s to be. Her calm gentle ways help promote an nurturing atmosphere in a situation that is commonly very stressful for patients whether they are coming for a very small procedure or a large complex one. Colleen is a very diligent employee who consistently demonstrates a great understanding of our Core Values in her everyday practice in the Operating Room.

Reverence: Colleen approaches every patient with grace and caring. She projects no prejudices towards any patient, procedure or physician. She is respectful not only of her patients, the physicians, her peers, but also to all who may have a presence in the OR whether it be house keeping, radiology technicians, central supply personnel or vendors present for procedures. She puts other first and goes above and beyond routinely without looking for recognition. To be honest I do not think she believes she is doing anything out of the ordinary.

Integrity: Colleen is honest about her practice and does not ever look to cut corners to make her load lighter. She is thorough and follows through with requests that are made of her. She is self motivated and will take it upon herself to find answers and not just find someone to take an assignment or task for her. Colleen has stepped up to the plate for several initiatives currently going on in surgical services without reservation.

Compassion: It is obvious that Colleen lives the “I Care” standards both in and out of work. She is responsive to her patients spoken and unspoken needs demonstrated by a gentle touch, or a warm blanket even when the patient doesn’t want to ask for one. She is active in her church, has participated in community outreach projects and she is supportive of co-workers that are experiencing difficulties.

Excellence: Colleen has demonstrated Excellence in her patient care of the perioperative patient. She continues to learn new procedures and new processes and takes on new responsibilities as they come along. She participates in shared decision making as evident in her participation on the Surginet build team.

The Daisy Awards recognizes the true unsung heroes of everyday nursing life. Colleen fits the category. She truly is a role model for her peers and an inspiration for those around her. Colleen may not yet have made an amazing discovery or changed they way nurses practice but what she does do every day is in itself amazing. Colleen is a treasured member of the peri-operative team.