Marjorie Elford
August 2024
Marjorie
Elford
,
RN
ICU
St. Joseph's Hospital North
Tampa
,
FL
United States
Marjorie embodies professionalism, intelligence, humor, compassion, sincerity, and kindness. Her commitment to exemplary nursing care is unparalleled, and she has left an indelible mark on our hearts.
I wanted to take a minute to recognize this person for all that she has done for my husband and family. About two months ago, my husband called me one day while I was out of town, and I noticed in our conversation that he was confused and exhibiting stroke-like symptoms. My son rushed him to the ED at SJN, and he was worked up by the team. He was transferred to the ICU. During his stay, my family and I had the privilege of meeting many wonderful nurses, but one stood out more than the rest. Marjorie would care for him for two days while he was in the ICU. She was such an angel.
Marjorie knew that I was out of town and frantically trying to get back home to him. She took the time to help my sons as they navigated their dad’s plan of care and what to expect while he was in the ICU. She also allowed all three of my sons to remain at his bedside at all times until I could safely get back to him, which was a huge relief to my sons and me. She also took the time to educate my husband on what to expect throughout her shifts and what tests and procedures were coming next. He never had any questions about what to expect, as she explained things so thoroughly. She also had a wicked sense of humor that my husband loved.
On the second day of his stay, he mentioned repeatedly how he wanted to hurry up and get home so he could work out and get back in shape again. Well, you can imagine, as his wife, that scared me as we were still trying to figure out what was going on, and he would not listen to reason that he needed to take it easy. He was focused on getting back home and staying fit. Well, Marjorie stepped in and calmly explained what was going on and that he needed to listen to his body, be patient, and take time to heal. I watched in awe as she spoke to him and really made him understand the severity of what was going on. He listened to what she had to say and really took it to heart.
You may ask why this is such a big deal. Well, recently Marjorie experienced a loss of her own, and you could see concern and genuine love in her eyes as she talked to my husband, and for that I will be eternally grateful to her. She truly is a shining example of Florence Nightingale and the BayCare effect.
***
I wholeheartedly nominate Marjorie for the DAISY Award. Her exceptional clinical skills and compassionate care make her an outstanding role model for patients, families, and staff alike.
My mother was a patient following surgery. She was transferred to the ICU. From the moment I met Marjorie, I felt an instant connection. Her voice reassured me, and her warm demeanor brought comfort during a challenging time.
Marjorie’s compassion and professionalism were evident as she cared for my mother. She treated her not just as a patient, but as a beloved mom, speaking to her with kindness even when my mother was unresponsive. Marjorie’s gentle touch and respect for my mother’s dignity during her final days meant the world to our family.
Throughout the day, Marjorie provided unwavering support. She helped me understand and accept difficult decisions, especially when our family decided to initiate DNR orders. Her ability to anticipate our needs and her willingness to stay beyond her shift to ensure our comfort demonstrated her dedication beyond duty.
When my mother took a turn for the worse, Marjorie’s calm demeanor and clear communication guided us through the final moments. She ensured my mother passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, as she had wished. Marjorie’s presence was not just as a nurse, but as a friend who provided strength and comfort when we needed it the most.
Marjorie embodies professionalism, intelligence, humor, compassion, sincerity, and kindness. Her commitment to exemplary nursing care is unparalleled, and she has left an indelible mark on our hearts.
Marjorie knew that I was out of town and frantically trying to get back home to him. She took the time to help my sons as they navigated their dad’s plan of care and what to expect while he was in the ICU. She also allowed all three of my sons to remain at his bedside at all times until I could safely get back to him, which was a huge relief to my sons and me. She also took the time to educate my husband on what to expect throughout her shifts and what tests and procedures were coming next. He never had any questions about what to expect, as she explained things so thoroughly. She also had a wicked sense of humor that my husband loved.
On the second day of his stay, he mentioned repeatedly how he wanted to hurry up and get home so he could work out and get back in shape again. Well, you can imagine, as his wife, that scared me as we were still trying to figure out what was going on, and he would not listen to reason that he needed to take it easy. He was focused on getting back home and staying fit. Well, Marjorie stepped in and calmly explained what was going on and that he needed to listen to his body, be patient, and take time to heal. I watched in awe as she spoke to him and really made him understand the severity of what was going on. He listened to what she had to say and really took it to heart.
You may ask why this is such a big deal. Well, recently Marjorie experienced a loss of her own, and you could see concern and genuine love in her eyes as she talked to my husband, and for that I will be eternally grateful to her. She truly is a shining example of Florence Nightingale and the BayCare effect.
***
I wholeheartedly nominate Marjorie for the DAISY Award. Her exceptional clinical skills and compassionate care make her an outstanding role model for patients, families, and staff alike.
My mother was a patient following surgery. She was transferred to the ICU. From the moment I met Marjorie, I felt an instant connection. Her voice reassured me, and her warm demeanor brought comfort during a challenging time.
Marjorie’s compassion and professionalism were evident as she cared for my mother. She treated her not just as a patient, but as a beloved mom, speaking to her with kindness even when my mother was unresponsive. Marjorie’s gentle touch and respect for my mother’s dignity during her final days meant the world to our family.
Throughout the day, Marjorie provided unwavering support. She helped me understand and accept difficult decisions, especially when our family decided to initiate DNR orders. Her ability to anticipate our needs and her willingness to stay beyond her shift to ensure our comfort demonstrated her dedication beyond duty.
When my mother took a turn for the worse, Marjorie’s calm demeanor and clear communication guided us through the final moments. She ensured my mother passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, as she had wished. Marjorie’s presence was not just as a nurse, but as a friend who provided strength and comfort when we needed it the most.
Marjorie embodies professionalism, intelligence, humor, compassion, sincerity, and kindness. Her commitment to exemplary nursing care is unparalleled, and she has left an indelible mark on our hearts.