Telma Matthews
September 2025
Telma
Matthews
,
RN
CCU
Atrium Health Union West
Matthews
,
NC
United States

 

 

 

Her presence is a source of comfort and healing, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.
Telma exemplifies the true spirit of nursing through her unwavering compassion, patience, and comforting presence. Time and time again, she receives glowing feedback from patients and families who are deeply touched by her care. One recent moment stands out as a beautiful testament to the kind of nurse and person Telma is.

During leader rounding, a patient in room 1102 shared a deeply moving story about her. He spoke with heartfelt emotion, saying he could see the calm and caring spirit within her. What touched him most was when she noticed his Bible, gently opened it to the Psalms, and asked his daughter to read it to him. That simple, thoughtful act brought tears to his eyes. He said Telma's smile reminded him of his mother, and he felt the same depth of love and compassion from her that he remembered from her embrace.

This nurse consistently goes above and beyond for her patients and their families, and her teammates. Whether it's staying late to ensure a patient is comfortable, stepping in to support a colleague without hesitation, or taking the time to truly listen and connect with those in her care. Her dedication is unmatched. She brings a sense of calm and reassurance to every situation, and her selfless actions often go unnoticed because she performs them so humbly and naturally.

Her commitment to excellence and teamwork uplifts everyone around her. Her ability to recognize and respond to the spiritual needs of her patients, especially when spiritual care is not available, is extraordinary. She has prayed with patients and families, offering them peace and strength in their most vulnerable moments. Her presence is a source of comfort and healing, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.

Her supervisor recently recognized her with a WOW card, quoting the patient's words and affirming what we all know to be true. She is a blessing to this department. Her heart, her presence, and the way she cares for our patients leave a lasting impact on everyone she encounters. She embodies the essence of the DAISY Award. She is a shining example of what it means to be a nurse, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her on our team.