Marilyn has been in our department for more than 10 years, from post to pre-op. She is one of my go-to people in the department. Marilyn is flexible with all situations. She can be pulled to do things that are not part of her job. Marilyn is also a parish nurse and a loving grandmother. Marilyn goes above and beyond caring for her patients. She honors faith and hope and gives spiritual support.
One day, Marilyn was pre-oping a patient who was very anxious. Marilyn kept the patient calm by talking to her, asking her questions, and getting to know her, and thus making her comfortable. This was not enough, the patient didn't have her rosary (she was a religious patient), so Marilyn went to her locker and got her rosary out and brought it back to the patient. Anesthesia allowed the patient to have the rosary in her hand during the endo procedure. The patient appreciated this and was so thankful. She promised Marilyn she would give it back after the procedure. The patient said this made her feel safe and more comfortable and Marilyn was part of the reason. Marilyn didn't have to do this or pray with her before the procedure, but she did. She saw that the patient needed spiritual support and that's what she did.