September 2026 Honoree
Mary Jo Dunn, RN
Having not been in a hospital since birth, I was unfamiliar with the medical environment and the hierarchy within hospitals. At first, I didn't realize how uniquely helpful Mari Jo was until I reflected later. One night, I needed help getting up to use the bathroom. With multiple tubes attached, pressure cuffs on my legs, and an abdomen full of incisions, the task was daunting. I pressed the call button for help, and Mari Jo responded promptly.
She assisted me with every aspect of the process, ensuring my safety and comfort. Afterward, she checked on me in my room to make sure I was doing well. Later, while I was walking with my walker around the unit, I passed her office. Mari Jo greeted me with a warm smile and a wave, genuinely happy to see me up and moving.
Her actions and attitude left a lasting impression. I thought, “Once a great nurse, always a great nurse.” Despite the option to delegate the task to another nurse or being potentially too busy, Mari Jo chose to step up and help me directly. She made me feel valued, giving me her time, attention, and care when I needed it most.
She assisted me with every aspect of the process, ensuring my safety and comfort. Afterward, she checked on me in my room to make sure I was doing well. Later, while I was walking with my walker around the unit, I passed her office. Mari Jo greeted me with a warm smile and a wave, genuinely happy to see me up and moving.
Her actions and attitude left a lasting impression. I thought, “Once a great nurse, always a great nurse.” Despite the option to delegate the task to another nurse or being potentially too busy, Mari Jo chose to step up and help me directly. She made me feel valued, giving me her time, attention, and care when I needed it most.
Thank you, Mary Jo, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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